Abstract:
The vehicle mounted hammock frame provides for a hammock to be suspended in the bed of a pickup truck approximately 6 feet above ground level. The hammock frame is intended to accommodate several sizes of hammocks including a family sized hammock, which affords comfortable lounging for two adults. The frame is simple to deploy by a single adult in minutes. It is anticipated that all parts may be attached to the unit so that pieces will not be lost or missing when it comes time to deploy the hammock frame. A storage case may be provided for ease of storage and transport. The hammock frame may have members added or attached to it in order that it can be deployed on the ground. Such members might include legs, bracing, and support members configured to allow a user to deploy the hammock frame on the ground.

Description:
This application is based upon and claims priority from U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/940,888, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     Applicants&#39; invention relates to a device for suspending a hammock. More particularly, it relates to a hammock frame that is mountable inside a pick-up truck bed. 
     Background Information 
     Hammocks are popular around the world for relaxation and sleeping. They can be used for lounging or ads a lightweight bed on camping trips. The hammock conjures an image of leisure and relaxation. 
     Conventional hammocks are slings, suspended between two (2) or more anchor points, for a person to lie or sit in. The sling portion of the hammock is generally made from a fabric sheet, such as cotton or nylon, or corded netting, often made from nylon, poly, fiber, or cotton. The hammock may be used for swinging, sleeping, or resting. 
     The hammock sling normally consists of one or more cloth panels, or a woven network of twine or thin rope. This creates a sheet, albeit a sheet that may have holes, on which a person may lie. 
     The anchor points need to be an appropriate distance apart—close enough to tie the ends of the hammock (or cables tied to the ends of the hammock) to, but far enough apart to allow the user to rest between. Because the hammock will need to support the weight of the user (or sometimes multiple users), the sling portion and the tie straps must be of sufficient tear resistance to accommodate such a load. Additionally, with the hammock hanging from the anchor points, the anchor points must also be sufficiently strong to support the user&#39;s weight. 
     The anchor points are generally either existing structures—whether made-made such as posts or walls, or natural such as trees—or frames that stand alone with two end-points for attaching to the hammock ends or tie straps. 
     There are a wide variety of hammocks available, as well as accessories for them. There are light-weight, packable hammocks that are designed specifically for backpacking that may include rain flys, mosquito netting, or storage pockets. There are hammocks made for placement in the user&#39;s yard or beach that are purely for relaxation. 
     Hammocks come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes ranging from holding one person to two or three persons. There are even hammocks intended to take the place of a tent. Common dimensions for unslung hammocks fall in a range between 3′/0.9 m to 14′/4.2 m across and 6′/1.8 m to 11′/3.3 m long. 
     One of the many hammock styles is framed, sometimes called a spreader-bar style. The spreader-bar hammock is easily recognized by wooden or metal bars at the head and foot of the hammock, spreading its width and allowing for easy access for casual use, such as in a backyard. Some framed hammocks may have a single-spreader bar, which uses a spreader bar on only one end and is much more stable. A variation of the single-spreader bar hammock has three attachment points, one at each corner of the spreader bar and one at the non-spreader bar end and is nearly untippable. 
     Various styles of hammocks available have different materials or construction. Some may be made of cotton or nylon string that is woven to form a net. A solid fabric may be used, which tends to be more durable than the string varieties. Camping hammocks are generally made of nylon or polyester. 
     Camping hammocks may have a ridgeline, which is generally in line strung between each end and above the hammock, from which additional gear, such as mosquito netting and rain flys are hung. 
     For non-spreader-bar styles, the way in which hammocks are hung is critical for comfort. Generally, a higher attachment point is preferred as well as sufficient length between attachment points, though these two dimensions can be adjusted to compensate for a lack in one or the other. The optimal angle of the attaching lines to the post/wall/tree is usually about 30 degrees. 
     Though one can lie in a hammock lengthwise or across its width, most hammocks are best used with a diagonal position, as it provides the most room and support. Users with back and joint pains often report some relief from these problems when sleeping in a hammock in this manner. 
     One favorite use for hammocks is for rest and relaxation at recreational events. The problem, is that often appropriate anchor points are not available. This could be because there are a great number of people at such events which limits the availability of anchor points, or room to locate a hammock. Or, in an area such as maybe a metropolitan or beach location, there may not be appropriate anchors regardless of the number of people. Another problem may be that in some areas, such as a parking lot tailgate party, there is simply no room for setting up a hammock. Another problem is that conventional hammocks frames are rather large and difficult to transport. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is the truck mounted hammock frame. It was developed as an accessory for recreational relaxation. With a hammock suspended in the bed of a pickup truck approximately 6 feet above ground level, views are unimpeded and scenic locations are endless so long as the truck can drive to it. The present truck mounted hammock frame is intended to be designed in order that it can accommodate several sizes of hammocks including a family sized hammock (on the order of 7′×5′), which affords comfortable lounging for two adults. 
     Designed with ease of use in mind, the current invention is simple to deploy by a single adult in minutes. The parts are manufactured to be sturdy and simple to assemble. It is anticipated that all parts may be attached to the unit so that pieces will not be lost or missing when it comes time to deploy the truck mounted hammock frame. A storage case may be provided for ease of storage and transport. 
     The positioning and visibility of the truck mounted hammock frame and hammock makes a chosen location easy to see. The hammock sling, or bed, can also provide an extremely visible location for a favorite team logo or promotional print. The uprights of the truck mounted hammock frame provide an ideal location for flags, pennants, kites, or other markers. 
     The truck mounted hammock frame is ideal for tailgating at sporting events, camping, or relaxing at rest areas, beaches and parks. Offering a mobile platform for a hammock negates the problem of looking for perfectly spaced trees or hauling cumbersome ground frames to a chosen location. 
     It is also anticipated that the hammock frame may have members added or attached to it in order that it can be deployed on the ground. Such members might include legs, bracing, and support members configured to allow a user to deploy the hammock frame on the ground. 
     Some important characteristics of the truck mounted hammock frame are anticipated to include, without limitation, the following:
         built to support two occupants, and designed to utilize a “family sized” hammock;   360 view above the cab of the truck;   telescoping deployment of the supports;   mounting to the pickup bed rails;   collapsible design and carry case system; and   all the other obvious features from the drawing.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a deployed truck mounted hammock frame mounted in the cutaway of a pickup bed. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the truck mounted hammock frame mounted in the cutaway of a pickup bed with the accessory piece deployed as a ramp. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the truck mounted hammock frame mounted in the cutaway of a pickup bed. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a stowed truck mounted hammock frame. 
         FIG. 5  is a side, perspective view of a deployed truck mounted hammock frame mounted in a pickup bed. 
         FIG. 6  is a front, perspective view of a deployed truck mounted hammock frame mounted in a pickup bed. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a second embodiment of the truck mounted hammock frame. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the truck mounted hammock frame. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the truck mounted hammock frame. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the frame in the folded position. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the frame in the folded position. 
         FIG. 12 a    is an exploded illustration of the frame. 
         FIG. 12 b    is a close up view of area A in  FIG. 12   a.    
         FIG. 13 a    is a top view of the base portion of the frame illustrating the extended and folded positions of the stabilizers. 
         FIG. 13 b    is a perspective view of the base portion of the frame illustrating the stabilizers in the deployed or extended position. 
         FIG. 13 c    is a side view of the base portion of the frame illustrating the stabilizers in the deployed or extended position. 
         FIG. 13 d    is a front view of the base portion of the frame illustrating the stabilizers in the deployed or extended position. 
         FIG. 14  is a blowup of the base member, brace connector, and stabilizers of the frame. 
         FIG. 15  is a blowup of the pole. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a deployed automobile, bed mounted hammock frame  10  mounted in the cutaway of a pickup bed  100 . The hammock frame  10  for a hammock (not shown) which is supported by a U-shaped frame  10  mounted on a base member  30 . It is anticipated that the base member  30  may consist one or multiple base members  30  oriented generally in line with the U-shaped frame  10 . The base member  30  has a first end and a second end. The hammock stand  10  is comprised of one or more brace members  30  rotatably attached at their ends to two side poles, a first and a second,  12  of the hammock frame  10 . The frame  10  may be fixed to a vehicle surface, anticipated to be the bed of a pickup truck however other locations on other vehicles are also anticipated in the use of this invention. The brace member  30  may be made of any sufficiently supportive material, such as tube steel, other metal, or plastic. It may be attached in the pickup bed  100  or to the vehicle surface by welding, clamping, fasteners, adhesives, weight friction, or other methods known in the art. 
     The hammock stand  10  provides a means of mounting a hammock (not shown) supported by a U-shaped frame  10  onto a vehicle, such as a truck, car, or boat. The hammock stand  10  is held together by a brace member  30 . At the brace member&#39;s  30  first end  30   a , and the opposite second end  30   b , brace connectors  20  are connected to the brace member  30 . Also connected to the brace connector  28  are the side poles  12 . The side poles  12  are rotatably connected to the brace member  30  via the brace connector  28 . Thus, it is anticipated that the brace connector  28  will have two parts, the first connecting to the side pole  12  and the second connecting to the brace member  30 . The first and second brace connector  28  parts are connected via a connector that allows for rotation. 
     The side poles  12  are comprised of one or more pieces. In a first embodiment, the side pole  12  is comprised of a side pole base member  22  and a side pole extension member  20 . The side poles  12  are hollow tubes with either circular, ovoid, or polygonal shaped outer walls. It is anticipated that the side pole extension member  20  will be sized to fit inside the side pole base member  22  allowing the side pole extension member  20  to slide in and out, or telescope, of the side pole base member  22 . The pole butt  36  is at one end of the side pole base member  22 . The pole butt  36  rests on the hammock frame  10  substrate—such as the pickup bed. The side pole  12  is attached to the truck bed rail  102  by a pole bed rail clamp  24 . The pole bed rail clamp  24  is attachable and detachable from the truck bed rail  102  without damaging either the pole bed rail clamp  24  or the truck bed rail  102 . The pole bed rail clamp  24  has a connector, anticipated to be a channel through which the side pole  12  runs, connecting the side poles  12  to the pole bed rail clamp  24 . 
     In a first embodiment, the side poles  12  are comprised of two sub-poles—the side pole extension member  20  and the side pole base member  22 . The side pole extension member  20  slides in and out of the side pole base member  22 . At the end of the side pole base member  22  opposite the pole butt  36  is a lock  18 . When engaged, the lock  18  retains the side pole extension member  20  in place in the side pole base member  22 . When disengaged, the lock  18  allows the side pole extension member  20  to slide in and out of the side pole base member  22 . Thus, when the user wishes to deploy the frame  10 , the user extends the side pole extension member  20  and engages the lock  18  so that the side pole extension member  20  is held in an extended position from which the hammock (not shown) can be attached and deployed. The pole extension end  38  of the side pole extension member  20  opposite the side pole base member  22  may be closed with a pole cap  14  attached. An anchor point  16  is connected to the second end  12   a  of the side pole extension member  20 . The anchor point  16  is provided to allow for attachment of the hammock (not shown). 
     A device for raising and lowering the hammock (not shown) may be attached to one of the side poles  12 . It is anticipated that the raising device (not shown) may be a type of winch with a strap. The running end of the strap (not shown) will connect to the hammock (not shown). 
     An accessory piece  32  has multiple functions, such as a carrying case for the pieces of the frame  10 , or as a step or ramp to allow the user to more easily enter and exit the hammock. The accessory piece  32  is attached at either end to the truck bed  100 . Generally, the attachment will be to the bed rails  102 . The accessory piece  32  is attached to the bed rails  102  via an accessory piece clamp  34 . 
     Sufficiently heavy material may be used in the space directly under the hammock to provide ease in climbing into the hammock and effectively shortening the fall distance should the hammock fail. It can also be used as a shelf to hold the user&#39;s personal items while in the hammock. 
       FIG. 2  shows the truck mounted hammock frame  10  mounted in the cutaway of a pickup bed  100  with the accessory piece  32  deployed as a ramp. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the accessory piece  32  may be used as a storage case for the component parts of the frame  10 . Once the frame  10  is removed from the accessory piece  32  and deployed, the accessory piece  32  may be made use of as either a step or ramp. In order that the accessory piece  32 , when used as a ramp, may be engaged with the brace member  30 , the accessory piece  32  may have cutouts  40  in the walls of the accessory piece  32 . The cutouts  40  are sized and shaped in order to accept and engage the brace member  30 . Thus, as a user enters the pickup bed  100  the user can walk up the ramp  32 , or step up on step  32  (as shown deployed in  FIG. 1 ) in order to more easily enter or exit the hammock. 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the truck mounted hammock frame mounted in the cutaway of a pickup bed. This figure more clearly illustrates the relationship of the brace member  30  and the side pole base members  22 . The brace connectors  28  and the pole bed rail clamps  24  effectively lock the frame  10  into position. The frame  10  is further kept from moving due to weight pressing down on the pole butts  36  against the truck bed  100  (or other substrate). This figure also shows how the side poles  12  are telescopic with the side pole extension members  20  extendable from the side pole base members  22 , and held in place by the lock  18 . The hammock (not shown) is deployed between the anchor points  16   a  and  16   b . The accessory piece  32  is also shown in this figure in place. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a stowed truck mounted hammock frame. In certain embodiments, the hammock stand  10  is collapsible for convenient transportation and storage. It is anticipated that the accessory piece  32  may act as a storage case for the remainder of the frame  10 . As described above the brace connectors  28  are rotatable which allows for deployment as well as allowing for folding the frame  10  into a more compact structure. As shown in this figure, the side poles  12  and brace member  30  have been folded to lie side-by-side in a generally flat manner and urged into the accessory piece  32 . Connectors (not shown) in the accessory piece  32  can hold the remainder of the frame  10  against the accessory piece  32 . In this figure and embodiment, the side poles  12  and brace member  30  are illustrated as hexagons. As noted above, the side poles  12  and brace member  30  may have a number of shapes. 
       FIG. 5  is a side, perspective view of a deployed truck mounted hammock frame mounted in a pickup bed. A hammock has been attached to the frame  10  at the anchor points  16 , and a user is lying in the hammock. As is shown, the frame  10  raises the hammock relatively high off the ground in the back of the pickup bed  100 . 
       FIG. 6  is a front, perspective view of a deployed truck mounted hammock frame mounted in a pickup bed. Again, the frame  10  is shown deployed in a pickup bed  100  with a hammock mounted and a user in the hammock. 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of a second embodiment of the truck mounted hammock frame  10 . The brace member  30  has a first end  30   a  and a second end  30   b . Attached to the base member  30  at each end is a brace connector  28 . The brace member  30  may be telescoping and being movable from a first position X to a second position Y in order to fit in different size vehicles. The pole member  12  is made up of a side pole ace member  22  and a side pole extension member  20 . 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the truck mounted hammock frame  10 . This figure shows the stabilizing legs  42  that are extendable from the base member  30 . The stabilizing legs  42  rotate outwardly when the truck mounted hammock frame  10  is deployed in order to lessen the chance of the frame  10  falling the side. Again in this figure the extension of the base member  30  is shown with the frame  10  being shown any first position X, and a second position Y. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the frame  10  as it is deployed with the stabilizing legs  42  extended perpendicularly from the base member  30 . The pole members  12  extend from the end of the base member  30 . The pole members  12  extend generally upwardly at an angle in order to create the distance needed for a hammock to be suspended between the anchor points  16 . 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of the frame  10  and illustrates it in the folded position with the poles  12  folded down generally parallel and adjacent to the base member  30 . Additionally the stabilizing members  42  have been rotated into their non-deployed position. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the frame  10  and illustrates it in the folded position with the poles  12  folded down generally parallel and adjacent to the base member  30 . Additionally the stabilizing members  42  have been rotated into their non-deployed position. 
       FIG. 12 a    is an exploded illustration of the frame  10 .  FIG. 12 b    is a close up view of brace connector  28  in area A as shown in  FIG. 12 a   . The base member  30  connects to the base connector  28 . The base connector  28  allows the pole  12  to rotate from a deployed position to a storage position. In one embodiment, the pole  12  attaches to the brace connector  28  by an axle  56  inserted through a slot  54  in the brace connector  28  and through an aperture  52  in the pole  12 . In the deployed position, the pole  12  extends generally upwardly at an angle and rest against a pole butt  62 . In order to fold the frame  10 , the poles  12  are lifted away from the pole butt  62  and rotated about the axle  56  thereby laying down against the pole butt  62  (as shown in  FIG. 11 ). The brace connector  28  has stabilizer connection  50  into which the stabilizers  42  are inserted connected. Connections  58  of the stabilizers allow for the rotation of the stabilizers  42  from a deployed position to a storage position. The stabilizers  42  may have feet  60  that may be raised and lowered in order to level the frame  10 . 
       FIGS. 13 a , 13 b , 13 c , and 13 d    illustrate various positions of the base member  30  and stabilizers  42 . 
       FIG. 14  is a blowup of the base member  30 , brace connector  28  and stabilizers  42 . The brace member  30  may have a connection collar  70  that allows it to be connected to the brace connector  28 . Various connectors  72  are used to attach the pieces of the base member  30 , brace connector  28 , and stabilizers  42  together. The same fashion the leveling feet  60  are put together and attached to the stabilizers  42 . The leveling feet  60  may have extenders  86  and base plates  74 . The stabilizer  42  can have a template  76  opposite the brace connector  28 . The stabilizer  42  also have a template  90  inserted into the brace connector  28 . The brace connector  28  is attached to the stabilizer  42  with a rotatable connector  58 . 
       FIG. 15  is a blowup of the pole  12 . Eyelets  16  allow for the attachment of a hammock. It is anticipated that the extension pole  20  will insert into base pole  22  and telescopically extend outwardly in order to deploy. The extension pole  20  may have and caps and the baseball  22  may have an insertion. A fixed flag bracket may be attached to the extension pole  20 , while a slidable flag bracket may be attached along the length of the pole  12 . It is anticipated that springs or other elastomers (not shown) may be inside base pole  22  in order to assist with the extension of extension pole  20 . Although shown in this embodiment as a telescopic pole  12 , it is anticipated that the base pole  22  and the extension pole  20  may be hinged at their connection in order to allow the pole  12  to extend to its deployed position or to be folded against each other in the storage position. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.