HAMMOCK STRAP SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to a hammock system, and more specifically, relate to a system including multiple multi-loop straps to engage with a cloth component capable of transition from a first ground cover configuration to a second hangable hammock configuration.

BACKGROUND

A typical hammock includes a sling composed of fabric, rope, or netting configured to be suspended between two or more attachment points (e.g., rigid structures such as one or more trees or other physical structure). To receive an object (e.g., a person lying in the sling), hammocks include opposing ends each with an integrated rope or system of ropes or other attachment means that are used to couple with the two or more attachment points.

One common hammock design is a gathered end hammock which includes a body (e.g., the sling portion made of some material) which is gathered to a single point at each end of the hammock by respective ropes. Each end includes a junction tied together to enable the gathered end to be secured to a structural component (e.g., tied to a tree). The respective “gathered” end points are formed by a permanently tied arrangement. Accordingly, due to the fixed or rigid gathering of the end points, the hammock is statically arranged in a banana-like configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve to provide examples of possible structures and operations for the disclosed inventive systems, apparatus, and methods. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed implementations.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example hammock system including a body component with a first strap arranged at a first end and a second strap arranged at a second end, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an example first strap configured for arrangement at a first end of a body component of a hammock system, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an example second strap configured for arrangement at a second end of a body component of a hammock system, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4A shows an end portion of a body component of a hammock system including a channel for insertion of a strap including a carabiner, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4B shows an end portion of a body component of a hammock system with a strap having a first loop and a second loop, where a carabiner couples the first loop and the second loop to form a gathered end of the body component, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a first end of a hammock system including a first strap coupled to a structure strap via a carabiner and a portion of the first strap extending toward a second end of the hammock system to form a ridgeline, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates a first end of a hammock system including a first end of a first strap coupled to a structure strap via a carabiner and a second end of the first strap coupled to a second strap to form a ridgeline of the hammock system, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows an example hammock system arranged in a hanging hammock configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a hammock and strap system including a body component having a first end and a second end each with a channel to receive a respective strap (i.e., a first strap and a second strap) to enable conversion or transition of the hammock system between a first configuration (i.e., a configuration where the body component operates as a ground cover) and a second configuration (i.e., a configuration where the first end and the second end of the body component are gathered for coupling with respective structural elements (e.g., a tree or other fixed attachment point).

In an embodiment, the first strap and the second strap of the multi-strap system each include a first loop and a second loop. Each strap is configured for insertion into a channel, slot, or groove at each of the body component (e.g., a rectangular-shaped piece of fabric) such that a portion of the end of the body component can be gathered between the first loop and the second loop. In an embodiment, the first loop and the second loop can be coupled using a suitable coupling device (e.g., a carabiner). In an embodiment, the coupling of the first loop and the second loop of each strap (i.e., the first strap at the first end of the body component and the second strap at the second end of the body component) enables the hammock system to be placed in the second configuration with the opposing ends of the body component gathered (e.g., in a banana-like or a catenary curve-like shape) and arranged for coupling to respective structural points (e.g., trees or other suitable structures).

In an embodiment, the hammock system can be transitioned to a first configuration by de-coupling the first loop and the second loop of each of the straps (i.e., the first strap and the second strap) to un-gather the ends of the body component to allow the body component to act as a ground cover (i.e., return to a substantially rectangular shape).

Advantageously, the use of the multi-strap system enables the transition of the body component between the first configuration (e.g., the non-gathered ended body component capable of serving as a ground cover) and the second configuration (e.g., as part of a hangable hammock system capable of receiving an object within a cavity formed by the body component with the two gathered ends secured by the respective straps).

In addition, the multi-loop strap enables an end of the body component to be adjustably gathered such that the second configuration may be maintained by coupling the first loop of the strap to the second loop of the strap (e.g., using a coupling element such as a carabiner) when arranged within a channel or groove of the body component.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example hammock system 100 including a body component 105 with a first strap 110 removably arranged at a first end of the body component 105 and a second strap 120 removably arranged at a second end of the body component 105, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the body component 105 can be composed of any suitable fabric (e.g., an outdoor or indoor blanket or quilt material) configured in a suitable shape (e.g., a rectangle, a square, etc.).

In an embodiment, a first end of the body component 105 includes a first groove or channel 106 configured to receive the first strap 110. In an embodiment, a second end of the body component 105 includes a second sleeve, groove, or channel 107 (herein the “second channel portion”) configured to receive the second strap 120. As shown in FIG. 1, the hammock system 100 is arranged in the first configuration, where the body component 105 is configured to serve as a ground cover (e.g., the body component 105 has non-gathered ends).

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an example first strap 110 configured for arrangement at a first end of a body component of a hammock system (e.g., body component 105 shown in FIG. 1), in accordance with one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the first strap 110 includes a first end 111 and a second end 112. Arranged at the first end 111 are a first loop 113 and a second loop 114. In an embodiment, the second end 112 includes a first coupling component 115 (e.g., a buckle, a plug, a pin, a prong, or other “male/female” connector component configured to couple with a second coupling component (e.g., the second coupling component 125 shown in FIG. 3)). According to embodiments, the second coupling component can include a slot, receptacle, fastener, or other “male/female” connector component configured to couple with the first coupling component 115. The first strap 110 is sized and shaped to pass through a corresponding channel or groove (e.g., first body channel 106 shown in FIG. 1), as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an example second strap 120 configured for arrangement at a second end of a body component of a hammock system (e.g., body component 105 shown in FIG. 1), in accordance with one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the second strap 120 includes a first end 121 and a second end 122. Arranged at the first end 121 of the second strap 120 are a first loop 123 and a second loop 124. In an embodiment, the second end 122 includes a second coupling component 125 (e.g., a component configured to securely couple with the first coupling component 115 shown in FIG. 2). The first strap 110 is sized and shaped to pass through a corresponding channel or groove (e.g., first body channel 106 shown in FIG. 1), as described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second strap 120 may include a strap holder component 126. The strap holder component 126 may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., elastic) capable of securing excess portions of the second strap 120 (e.g., the excess slack of the second strap 120) when the first strap 110 and the second strap 120 are coupled, as described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 5B.

FIG. 4A shows an end portion of a body component 105 of a hammock system (e.g., hammock system 100 of FIG. 1) including a first channel portion 106 for insertion of a first strap 110 including a coupling component (e.g., a carabiner) 410, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Although FIG. 4A shows a first end of the body component 105, the following description further covers the opposing end (e.g., the second end) of the body component 105 including a second channel portion (e.g., second channel portion 107 of FIG. 1) configured to receive the second strap (e.g., second strap 120 of FIGS. 1 and 3) and form the gathered end when the first loop 123 of the second strap 120 and the second loop 124 of the second strap 120 are coupled.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the first strap 110 may be caused to traverse or pass through the first channel portion 106 such that a first loop 113 of the first strap 110 is positioned within the first channel portion 106 and a second loop 114 of the first strap 110 is positioned outside the first channel portion 106. In an embodiment, a coupling component (e.g., a carabiner) 410 may be attached or coupled to the first loop 113 of the first strap 110. As illustrated, the first channel portion 106 is gathered between the first loop 113 and the second loop 114. Advantageously, the hammock system can be transitioned from a first configuration (i.e., where the body component 105 is useable as a ground cover) to a second configuration (i.e., where each end of the body component 105 is gathered to enable hanging as a hammock, as described in greater detail in FIGS. 4B-5B).

FIG. 4B shows an end portion of the body component 105 of the hammock system with the coupling component 410 connecting the first loop 113 of the first strap 110 and the second loop 114 of the first strap 110. As shown, the coupling component (e.g., a carabiner) 410 couples the first loop 113 and the second loop 114 to secure the first channel portion 106 (i.e., the gathered portion), in accordance with one or more embodiments. Although the example coupling component 410 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is a carabiner, it is noted that any suitable coupling structure may be employed to couple the first loop 113 of the first strap 110 and the second loop 114 of the first strap 110 to secure the first channel portion 106 (e.g., the gathered portion) of the body component 105 to form the gathered end. It is noted that the opposing end of the body component 105 may be gathered by coupling a first loop 123 and second loop 124 of a second strap 120 using a second coupling component (e.g., a carabiner). Accordingly, each end of the body component 105 can be gathered and secured in place using the first strap 110 and the second strap (e.g., second strap 120 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) to enable transition of the hammock system between the first configuration (i.e., where the body component may be used as a ground cover) and the second configuration (i.e., where the hammock system may be used as a hangable hammock).

According to embodiments, the first loop 113 and the second loop 114 may be uncoupled (i.e., by operation of the coupling component 410 to cause the detachment) to enable the transition of the hammock system between the second configuration (i.e., the gathered end configuration for hanging as a hammock) and the first configuration (i.e., where the body component 105 may be converted to a geometric shape (e.g., a rectangle) to serve as, for example, a ground cover.

FIG. 5A illustrates a first end of a hammock system (e.g., hammock system 100 of FIG. 1) including a first strap 110 coupled to a structure strap 510 (e.g., a strap configured to couple to a structure, such as a tree) via the coupling component 410. As shown, the coupling component 410 is used to couple the first loop 113 and the second loop 114 of the first strap 110 (as shown in FIG. 4B), and further used to couple to the structure strap 510. According to embodiments, the structure strap 510 may be tied or otherwise coupled to a first anchor point (e.g., a tree or other fixed structure) (as shown in FIG. 6).

While FIG. 5A shows a first gathered end of the body component 105 tethered or attached to a structure strap 510, it is noted that the opposing end of the body component 105 (i.e., the second gathered end) may be gathered by a coupling component and attached to a corresponding structure strap to couple the second gathered end to a second structure (e.g., a second tree or other structure opposing the first tree or structure to enable the hammock to hang therebetween), as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a second end 112 of the first strap 110 (i.e., the end including the first coupling component 115 as shown in FIG. 2) can be extended toward a second end 122 of the second strap (including a second coupling component 125 as shown in FIG. 3). Accordingly, the first strap 110 is funneled through, introduced into, inserted into, or caused to pass through or into the channel 106 of the body component to enable the end of the body component to be gathered, with a portion of the first strap 110 extending toward and coupled to the second strap 120 to enable formation of a ridgeline (as shown in greater detail in FIG. 5B).

FIG. 5B illustrates the first strap 110 coupled to the second strap 120 by engagement of the first coupling component 115 of the first strap 110 and a second coupling component 125 of the second strap 120. As illustrated, the first strap 110 is coupled to the second strap 120 to form a ridgeline 550 of the hammock system. Advantageously, the ridgeline 550 is a taut line or cord formed by coupling the first strap 110 and the second strap 120 that hangs above the body component 105 and enables connection of the hammock system between the two anchor points (e.g., trees). According to embodiments, the ridgeline 550 can provide structural support and stability to the hammock system (e.g., hammock system 100 of FIG. 1). In an embodiment, the ridgeline 550 can enable an installer to establish a desired level of sag (e.g., depending on such factors as hammock size, a user's body type, weight, height, etc.) in the hammock system for a comfortable laying experience (e.g., regardless of the distance between the two anchor points). According to embodiments, the ridgeline 550 may provide protection from weather and insect and other environmental elements. In an embodiment, the ridgeline 550 may be used hang various accessories, such as a glasses, bug nets, top covers, any component capable of being coupled, attached, hooked, etc. to the ridgeline 550.

As illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 5B, a first end of the first strap 110 enables the gathering of a first end of the body component 105 and connects to the structure strap 510 which in turn is attached to a first anchor point. A second end of the first strap 110 includes the first coupling component 115 to a second coupling component 125 of the second strap 120. A second end of the second strap 120 (not shown in FIG. 5B) includes a first loop (e.g., first loop 123 of FIG. 3) and a second loop (e.g., second loop 124 of FIG. 4) which enables a gathering of a second end of the hammock system. The second strap 120 further couples to a second structure strap (not shown in FIG. 5B) to attach the hammock system to a second anchor point, when the hammock system is in the second configuration.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example hammock system 100 arranged in the second configuration. As shown in FIG. 6, the hammock system 100 is coupled to a first anchor point 601 (e.g., a tree or other structure) using a first structure strap 610 and coupled to a second anchor point 602 (e.g., a tree or other structure) using a second structure strap 620. In an embodiment, the first strap 110 of the hammock system 100 is coupled to the first structure strap 610, which in turn couples to the first anchor point 601. In an embodiment, the second strap 120 of the hammock system 110 is coupled to the second structure strap 620, which in turn couples to the second anchor point 602. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the hammock system 100 in the second configuration enables the body component 105 to serve as a hammock cavity for a person and includes a ridgeline 650.

The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure.

Further, in describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented aspects of the operation of the exemplary device as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the methods or processes do not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the methods or processes should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the figures and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.