Patent Application
20220265031
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The field of the present inventive concept relates generally to methods and equipment utilized to deploy and operate hammocks. More particularly, the device and method disclosed is applicable to preventing the flow of rainwater along the length of any attaching cords, straps, or other structures connected to either end of a hammock. There is disclosed a generically planar, circular structure oriented so as to deflect flowing rainwater from coursing the length of any attaching cord or strap and onto the hammock bed structure itself.
(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
The following materials and/or documents disclose concepts or devices that have some relatedness to the disclosed concept.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,032,568 Roney, R; May 19, 2015; Drainable hammocks with an arrangement of drainage paths in the fabric of the hammock bed are disclosed, wherein the drainage paths are openings in the fabric of the hammock bed. In one example, the openings are formed by grommets that are positioned in the fabric of the hammock bed. A method of operation of the drainable hammocks includes, but is not limited to, the steps of water impinging the uppermost surface of the hammock bed, water flowing due to gravity from the high points in the hammock bed to the low points in the hammock bed, and water exiting the hammock bed through the drainage paths and onto the ground below.
U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S. 2019/0223581 A1; Conlin, T. Jul. 25, 2019; This disclosure generally relates to a hammock strap. The hammock strap includes an elongated length of strap material that is separated into a first strap and a second strap. The first strap and the second strap are woven together at one or more separation points to form eyelets between the first strap and the second strap.
U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S. 2016/0213130; Frazier, T. Jul. 28, 2016. A hammock enclosure designed for preferably one or two hammocks can be used in a variety of settings and locales due to a number of features of the enclosure.
The hammock enclosure has sides made of a high-quality netting to prevent insects from entering the enclosure. Additionally, an adjustable, water proof rain fly is positioned above the enclosure and the bottom of the enclosure also comprises a water proof material. The hammock enclosure is affixed, preferably to two trees, and the hammocks then hung inside. The lines for the hammocks pass through openings which may be cinched close to again prevent water, insects, and the like from entering the enclosure. Alternatively, the hammock enclosure may be secured to the ground via loops, an upper loop(s), and a securement mechanism. This enables the hammock enclosure to be utilized as a traditional ground shelter.
Hammocks are supporting structures, generally arranged horizontally, and suspended by ropes or cords at one, or generally both ends of the hammock. Hammocks are traditionally constructed from canvas, rope mesh, or other flexible material. They are normally used for lounging, resting, sleeping and other restful body positions associated with leisure or camping activity. The design and structure of hammocks have not changed significantly over the last three or four score of years.
The within inventive concept discloses a primary diverter 1, and a secondary diverter 5, each of which is affixed, by means of an interior aperture 2, 6, to at least one strap, rope, or cord which connects to the first end 22 or second end 23 of a hammock 20. Such connection of the primary diverter 1 or secondary diverter 5 serves to divert the flow of rainwater away from the bedding surface of the hammock 20, and thereby minimizing the possible accumulation of water on the hammock bedding surface.
The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling five figures, show the basic components and functions of embodiments and/or methods of use of the inventive concept. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.
The discussion of the present inventive concept will be initiated with
The typical hammock 20, generally, consists of a bed 21, or bedding area, composed of a section, or sections, of flexible fabric. The bed 21 formed therefrom is constructed with a first end 22, and an opposing second end 23. Further, the bed 21 comprises a left side 24 and a right side 25. The hammock 20 provides a very comfortable, stable, and essentially level sleeping position.
As shown in
A hammock 20, in a normal use is suspended between two upright structures, usually trees 33 or posts (more readily shown in
In
As shown in
Referring to
The subject hammock 20 utilizes the principal of water adhesion, similar to a drip edge in roof construction. Once water falls upon the right strap 29(b), the water cannot go upwards against gravity and its surface tension causes water droplets to run down the first face 14 of the primary diverter 1 and onto the ground. The same principle of functioning of the primary diverter 1 also applies to any affixing of the primary diverter 1 about the left strap 29(a) of a hammock 20.
In
A hinged mechanism 13 operates to effect a separation of the first semicircular disc 16 and the second semicircular disc 17. The separation of the first semicircular disc 16 and the second semicircular disc 17 creates an angular opening 6 of the secondary diverter 5. Once the angular opening 6 is formed, a strap 29(a), 29(b) of the type used for suspending hammocks 20, may be inserted within the space of the angular opening 6, and specifically, within the contours of the shaped recess 4 of either the first semicircular disc 16 or the second semicircular disc 17.
Purely for purposes of illustration, the shaped recess 4 in
Immediately after the insertion of a strap 29(b), the first semicircular disc 16 and the second semicircular disc 17 are closed together by means of a clasp mechanism 7 to secure the strap 29(a), 29(b). The components of the clasp mechanism 7 consist of compatible opposing surfaces and are affixed, respectively, to each, the non-hinged end of the upper ledge 11 and the non-hinged end of the lower ledge 12. The clasp mechanism 7 provides a secure closure of both the first semicircular disc 16 and the second semicircular disc 17. The clasp mechanism 7 may be constructed of hook-and-felt components, magnetized components, a lobster clasp, a box clasp, or any of a variety of fastening mechanisms commonly known in the art.
The secondary diverter 5 forms its angular opening 6 on each occasion where a user releases the clasp mechanism 7 and rotates the upper ledge 11 apart from the lower ledge 12. In this manner, the angular opening 6 may accommodate the cross-sectional surfaces of a typical strap 29(b), at which time the upper ledge 11 is rotated downward so as to engage the strap 29(b) and is then immediately secured by the clasp mechanism 7. The secondary diverter 5 thereupon functions in the same manner as the primary diverter 1, by diverting accumulated rain drops downward toward the lower-oriented rim 8 of the secondary diverter 5, and causing the rain drops to fall toward the ground.
As shown in
While preferred embodiments of the present inventive method have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, as described by the scope of the claims presented herein.
