Abstract:
The disclosure includes a hammock made of a flexible piece of material whose ends can be gathered into endpoints where the suspension system is attached so that the hammock can be suspended between two points (trees/posts/etc). The hammock is covered with a flexible material (such as mosquito netting/fabric/etc) so that the hammock is enclosed. On one or both sides of the hammock an adapter panel is attached between the canopy and the hammock body.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from provisional application No. 60/276,433 filed on Sep. 11, 2009 incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to end gathered hammocks, particularly those fitted with canopies or netting. 
         [0004]    Traditionally, end gathered hammocks (such as those based on Mayan and Brazilian styles) are made from wide pieces of fabric and meant to be laid in diagonally in order to achieve a flat lay (suitably flat sleeping surface). 
         [0005]    Lying diagonally in such a hammock naturally forces the loose edges of the hammock body into a certain shape (an asymmetric parallelogram), which is also referred to as “the natural shape of the diagonal position”. This allows the user to achieve a somewhat flat sleeping surface (desirable). 
         [0006]    Prior to the creation of the present invention, if mosquito netting was to be fitted to those loose edges in such a way as to be minimal and tight fitting (often desired for aesthetic and weight reduction purposes), the shape of canopy used had to resemble the natural shape of the diagonal position (as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,757). If it didn&#39;t would restrict the hammock body and greatly reduce head/foot room and thus force the user into more of an “in-line” position rather than the preferred “diagonal position” (as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,851). This loss of diagonal potential decreases both flatness and comfort. 
         [0007]    Being restricted to using only the natural shape of the diagonal position for the shape of the canopy/netting in order to achieve comfort and roominess is not nearly as desirable as being able to use almost any shape a designer wishes while still keeping all its benefits. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    This invention incorporates the often-used combination of hammock body and attached canopy/mosquito netting. It also incorporates a new piece, the adapter panel, which is attached between the edge of the hammock body and the edge of the mosquito netting. It acts like an adapter, allowing the hammock body itself to assume the general natural shape of the diagonal position (which is needed for proper comfort) which allowing one to use just about whatever shape they wish for the shape of the canopy, and doing this without having to worry about causing any restriction to the hammock body (so as not to negatively affect diagonal lay/position/comfort/roominess/etc.). In addition, the adapter panel also creates a large out-of-the-way storage shelf. This is extremely beneficial, as storage space is commonly lacking in current hammock designs and is particularly needed in the camping hammock variety. 
         [0009]    Certain embodiments of an improved covered hammock comprise an adapter panel connecting (by means of existing between) a generally rectangular hammock body and a canopy (which can have various shapes). The canopy can be made of fabrics of various weaves, or nonwoven materials, ranging from closely woven, opaque materials to mesh or netting. Commercial insect netting materials of various types can be used, possibly even comprising metal or plastic fibers as alternatives to cloth fabrics. 
         [0010]    Thanks to the use of the adapter panel (often made of solid fabrics similar to those used in the hammock body), which is fitted between the edge of the hammock body and the edge of the canopy, the canopy can now have almost any shape. The adapter panel eliminates the previous requirement that the shape of the canopy must conform to the desired contours of the edge of the occupied hammock body. 
         [0011]    The edges of the hammock body can be provided with attachments for lines, which can be used to exert tension on the sides to spread the hammock out. The terms “head” and “foot” signify the ends of the suspended hammock closest to the head and feet, respectively, of an occupant of the hammock. 
         [0012]    The adapter panel, which comprises at least two sides or edges, resides between the edge of the hammock body and the edge of the canopy and can have almost any shape. That shape is determined as follows: one edge of the adapter panel will conform to the contour or form of the edge of the hammock body, and the other edge of the adapter panel will conform to the contour or form of the edge of the chosen canopy shape. The function of the adapter panel (aside from creating a storage shelf) is to allow the two differently contoured edges (no matter how different they are from one another) to be precisely fitted together by means of the adapter panel positioned between them. Another way of understanding this arrangement is to think of the hammock and attached canopy as somewhat like a hollow tube of fabric that tapers toward the ends. The adapter panel is shaped in such a way that it adds girth in areas that need it so that the tapering shape of the canopy won&#39;t pull the hammock body out of the desired position so as not to restrict room in the head and foot areas. By adding fabric/girth in a few strategic spots, unwanted restriction to the hammock body can be avoided. The location of these key spots would of course be very dependent on the shape of canopy used and the needs of the designer. The preferred embodiment of the concept that is shown in  FIG. 7-11  is designed specifically for one shape of canopy, and it adds fabric only where its needed, and only in the needed amount. This avoids loose excess fabric in spots where it isn&#39;t needed and is the main force behind giving the adapter panel its unique, fitted shape. Changing the shape of the canopy while using the same design tactics would alter the shape of the adapter panel. 
         [0013]    The edge of the adapter panel that attaches to the hammock body will preferably conform to something that generally resembles the natural shape of the diagonal position (or rather one edge/side/half of such a shape) so as to allow the loose edges of the hammock body to take on this desired shape when assembled. The other edge of the adapter panel conforms to the contours along the edge of the canopy, which thanks to the adapter panel, is no longer limited in its shape. The relationship between the two is such that the shape chosen for the shape of the canopy will determine the contour that one edge of the adapter panel will need to conform to. The preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-11  (the shapes of which were chosen for practical purposes and are in no way mandatory) has an adapter panel with a narrow mid-section and wider portions towards the ends, which correspond to the head and foot ends of the hammock when installed. The end of the adapter panel attached to the canopy adjacent the head-end of the hammock body can be termed the “shelf-portion” of the adapter panel, as it creates a flat area adjacent to the occupant&#39;s head inside the hammock and provides a shelf area for storage of personal effects. Similarly, the opposite end of the adapter panel can be termed the “footbox portion”, as it allows that portion of hammock body to protrude freely where the canopy would otherwise force it to taper. While in prior art covered hammocks (such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,757) the canopy is specifically shaped to conform to the desired shape of the suspended, occupied hammock to avoid adverse effects to the hammock body (which would cause discomfort and loss of interior space, particularly in the head and foot areas, to the occupant). The embodiments disclosed herein provide for the installation of adapter panels to join hammock bodies and canopies of various shapes and sizes in a manner which allows the edges of the gathered, suspended hammock body to smoothly assume the basic natural shape or orientation of a “diagonal body position” when occupied regardless the shape of the canopy. Naturally, certain adjustments in the contours and shapes of the canopy and adapter panel will be necessary for hammock bodies of various proportions and shapes may be altered signifigantly to provide larger or smaller shelf or footbox areas in the occupied hammock. Additionally, different shapes altogether could be employed. For example, certain different shapes will allow for multiple shelves in different locations if so desired, or the shapes might be changed in order to incorporate different shaped canopies for purely aesthetic reasons. As mentioned above, the presence of a shelf inside the hammock is particularly desirable for camping use so the canopy shape might even be changed or chosen simply to facilitate a change to the shelf portion of the adapter panel. Designing for a bigger shelf, one with a different shape, or simply wanting it in a different location would affect the shape of the adapter panel as well. 
         [0014]    The connections between the adapter panel, canopy, and hammock body can be permanent as with conventional sewn, riveted, or cemented seams, or can employ temporary attachments along at least one of the connection seams to provide for removable attachment of the canopy or adapter panel components to the hammock body. This can be useful when no canopy is needed (such as when “mosquito season” is over). The main requirement is that the edges are sufficiently joined to one another; how they are joined is much less crucial. The four most common attachment methods would likely be sewn or welded seams for permanent attachment and zipper or hook and loop combination (like Velcro) for removable attachment. 
         [0015]    Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein provide an improvement on a hammock comprising a generally rectangular hammock body which is gathered at the ends and suspended by these gathered ends and having a canopy attached removably or permanently, by providing an adapter panel attached removably or permanently between the hammock body and the canopy to connect an edge of a canopy to an edge of a hammock body. The adapter panel is shaped and attached between the hammock body and canopy so as to permit the hammock body to assume a proper shape when occupied regardless of the shape of the canopy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a plan view of a prior art hammock body. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows an overhead view of  FIG. 1  once each end has been gathered into a single point for the attachment of the suspension. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  shows an overhead perspective view of  FIG. 2  with an occupant inside. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  shows the shape assumed by the loose edges of the hammock body when an occupant lies in the preferred diagonal position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows a side perspective view of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5A  shows an overhead view of a hammock with the same hammock body as  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , where a constrictive shape is used for the shape of the netting/canopy. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5B  is an overhead view of an occupied version of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5C  is an outline of the general shape that the edges of the hammock body of  FIGS. 5A  and B are forced into as a result of the chosen canopy shape. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6A  is an overhead view of an improved version of  FIG. 5A , similar to the hammock of U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,757. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6B  is an outline of the general shape that the edges of the hammock body from  FIG. 6A  are forced into as a result of the chosen canopy shape. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7A  shows the hammock body. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7B  shows the canopy/netting. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7C  shows the adapter panel. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8A  is a plan view of the adapter panel. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8B  is an overhead view of the panel as it twists in actual use. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9A  is an overhead view of a hammock made from the components of  FIGS. 7A , B and C. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9B  is an outline of the general shape that the edges of the hammock body of  FIG. 9A  are forced into as a result of the chosen shapes of the canopy and adapter panel. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  shows an end cross-section view of the hammock of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 12A  is a plan view of one example of another shape that could be used for the adapter panel. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12B  is a plan view of the corresponding netting shape. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12C  is an overhead view of the resulting shape that the edges of the hammock body will be forced into. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13A  is a plan view of one example of yet another shape that could be used for the adapter panel. 
           [0039]      FIG. 13B  is a plan view of the corresponding netting shape. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13C  is an overhead view of the resulting shape that the edges of the hammock body will be forced into. 
           [0041]      FIG. 14A  is a plan view of yet another example of another shape that could be used for the adapter panel. 
           [0042]      FIG. 14B  is a plan view of the corresponding netting shape. 
           [0043]      FIG. 14C  is an overhead view of the resulting shape that the edges of the hammock body will be forced into. 
           [0044]      FIG. 15A  is a plan view of one example of yet another shape that could be used for the adapter panel. 
           [0045]      FIG. 15B  is a plan view of the corresponding netting shape. 
           [0046]      FIG. 15C  is an overhead view of the resulting shape that the edges of the hammock body will be forced into. 
           [0047]      FIG. 16A  is an overhead view of an example of another embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0048]      FIG. 16B  shows an overhead view of the resulting shape that the hammock body will be forced into. 
           [0049]      FIG. 16C  is a plan view of the two adapter panels. 
           [0050]      FIG. 16D  is a plan view of the corresponding canopy shape. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0051]    The disclosed embodiments, various forms of which are illustrated in  FIG. 7-16 , are improvements over the prior art designs shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 1 , the rectangular hammock body ( 10 ) has end-edges ( 12 ) that will be gathered into single points for the attachment of a suspension system ( 14 ).  FIG. 2  shows the hammock body ( 10 ) of  FIG. 1  after these two end-edges ( 12 ) have been gathered into points and a suspension system ( 14 ) has been attached creating a prior art hammock. Once the end-edges ( 12 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) are gathered, folds or wrinkles ( 16 ) will often be created. The non-gathered edges ( 17 ) remain loose and flexible. Once the suspension line ( 14 ) is attached to supports ( 18 ) as shown in  FIG. 3A , the prior art hammock ( 15 ) will support an occupant ( 20 ). Notice how the flexible edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) will naturally conform to a certain shape when the occupant ( 20 ) lies in the preferred diagonal position. This shape is referred to as the “natural shape of the diagonal position” ( 23 ), as shown in  FIG. 3B . For a shape to have the benefits of the “natural shape of the diagonal position” ( 23 ), it only needs to “generally resemble” the natural shape of the diagonal position ( 23 )/ FIG. 3B ). The important aspects of such a shape being that the corner or obtrusion on one side of the shape protrudes closer to one suspension point, while the corner or obtrusion on the other side of the shape protrudes closer to the opposite suspension point so that the two protrusions are “offset” from one another (as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) rather than being “even with” one another as in  FIG. 5 . Ideally, these “corners” will correspond to the points on the hammock where the occupant&#39;s head and feet protrude the farthest. A shape having offset opposite corners or obtrusions as described above is referred to as “generally resembling the natural shape of the diagonal position” ( 27 ) (such as the shape seen in  FIG. 9B ), and if a hammock body&#39;s ( 10 ) flexible edges ( 17 ) assume this general shape, the hammock body will have all the benefits thereof, such as a roomy, flat, diagonal lay for the occupant ( 20 ). However, if the flexible edges ( 17 ) of a hammock body ( 10 ) assume a shape that has corners or obtrusions that are “even with” one another, the diagonal potential of the hammock body ( 10 ) will be restricted and comfort will be negatively effected as seen in  FIG. 5B . If the corners were instead aligned with the head and feet, the hammock would provide a more comfortable and spacious sleeping area. A shape that does not allow for the protrusion of one&#39;s head and feet is referred to as a “constrictive shape” ( 25 ) because head and foot room would be diminished. 
         [0053]    As seen in  FIG. 4  (which is simply a side perspective view of  FIG. 3 ) the hammock body ( 10 ) will tend to conform to the contours ( 22 ) of the occupant&#39;s ( 20 ) body. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , if the flexible edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) are forced into a “constrictive shape” ( 25 ), the ability to lie diagonally (and as result the comfort) will be diminished. This is shown in  FIGS. 5A , B and C. In  FIG. 5B , the netting canopy is intentionally omitted to better show the hammock fabric and the occupant. The flexible edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) are forced into a “constrictive shape” ( 25 ) which, in this case, is dictated mainly by the chosen shape of the mosquito netting canopy ( 24 ), and possibly to some extent by the guyline ( 26 ) (usually small diameter cordage that is attached and then tensioned via a tent stake ( 28 ) or equivalent, Guyline ( 26 ) made of static cordage could help to fix the flexible edges ( 17 ) into a “constrictive shape” ( 25 ) whereas guyline ( 26 ) made from elastic or stretchy cordage would not). As a result of the “constrictive shape” ( 25 ) forced onto the flexible edges ( 17 ) of the hammock of  FIG. 5 , the hammock body ( 10 ) no longer facilitates the preferred diagonal position. This loss of diagonal potential reduces roominess, flatness, and comfort as visible in  FIG. 5B . However, as shown in  FIG. 6 , if the flexible edges ( 17 ) are allowed to conform to the “natural shape of the diagonal position” ( 23 / FIG. 6B ) as result of a netting canopy ( 24 ) of the same shape ( 23 ), the hammock body ( 10 ) will fully facilitate the preferred diagonal position for the occupant ( 20 ) and the comfort and roominess it provides will not be diminished. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the current disclosure ( FIGS. 7-16 ) comprises a hammock body ( 10 ) with its yet-to-be-gathered end-edges ( 12 ), a canopy ( 24 ) and at least one adapter panel ( 31 ).  FIGS. 7A , B and C show a plan view of one embodiment of these components. Also visible is a zipper ( 30 ), which is shown in  FIG. 7A . As shown in  FIG. 7C , this particular embodiment of the adapter panel ( 31 ) has two main parts, the shelf portion ( 32 ) and the footbox portion ( 34 ).  FIG. 8  illustrates how the adapter panel ( 31 ) will twist in actual use, with  FIG. 8A  showing the plan view and  FIG. 8B  showing the overhead view of it twisted as it does in use. The adapter panel ( 31 ) will not twist in every embodiment of the disclosure, however this function is merely a result of the particular shapes used. For instance, a different canopy shape could be chosen that would require both portions of the adapter panel ( 31 ) to be shelf portions ( 32 ), and this embodiment of the adapter panel ( 31 ) would not twist. Components of such an embodiment can be seen in  FIG. 15  where the netting canopy ( 24 / FIG. 15B ) requires an adapter panel ( 31 / FIG. 15A ) that is one long shelf portion ( 32 ). As seen in  FIG. 15C , the flexible edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) forms a shape that “generally resembles the natural shape of the diagonal position” ( 27 ), such a shape will provide ample head and foot room to the occupant ( 20 ). Another example of an embodiment ( 43 ) of the disclosure that is quite different from the current preferred embodiment ( 41 ) is shown in  FIG. 16 . Due to the shape of the canopy ( 24 / FIG. 16D ), two adapter panels ( 31 / FIG. 16C ) are used; each adapter panel ( 31 ) is comprised of only one portion, the shelf portion ( 32 ). Notice how the flexible edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) still assume the “natural shape of the diagonal position” ( 23 ).  FIG. 16A  illustrates how these components fit together to form a hammock that is an embodiment of the disclosure ( 43 ).  FIGS. 15 and 16  show how varied the components of the disclosure can be for various embodiments. Since the adapter panel makes it possible to use virtually any shape for the canopy, it creates a situation where widely varied canopy shapes will in turn create the need for widely varied adapter panels to fit them. 
         [0056]    Once the components of  FIG. 7  are assembled together, they form a hammock that is a current preferred embodiment of the disclosure ( 41 ). (It is a current preferred embodiment for practical reasons; for instance, it has what has been determined to be an optimal combination of features, simplicity, value, effectiveness etc.) Notice how the hammock of  FIG. 9A  uses a netting/canopy shape other than “the natural shape of the diagonal position” ( 23 ); this canopy shape would be considered a constrictive shape (restrictive in the foot area), but because of the use of the adapter panel ( 32 , 34 ), the edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) are still able to assume a shape that generally resembles the natural shape of the diagonal position ( 27 / FIG. 9B ), and no restriction is caused. As shown in  FIG. 9A , the occupant ( 20 ) has the same opportunity for lying diagonal (with the flatter lay and ample head/foot room that it affords) as he does in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  6 , but the designer is not restricted to using a canopy shape similar to that used in  FIG. 6  to avoid causing restriction like that caused in  FIG. 5 . As with the prior art hammock of  FIG. 6 , the occupant ( 20 ) is able to achieve a comfortable diagonal position without restriction, and additionally has the benefit of a large, much-needed, out-of-the-way storage shelf ( 32 ), while the designer now has the ability to use many, various, creative shapes instead of being restricted only to canopy ( 24 ) shapes that generally resemble the natural shape of the diagonal position ( 27 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 12C ,  FIG. 13C , etc.)  FIG. 9A  also shows where the components of  FIG. 7  are attached together. You can see the seam that attaches the netting canopy ( 24 ) to the adapter panel ( 32 / 34 ), which is labeled “ 36 ”. Also visible is the seam that attaches the flexible edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) to the adapter panel ( 32 / 34 ). This seam is labeled “ 38 ”. And finally, the seam that attaches the netting canopy ( 24 ) to the flexible edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) is labeled “ 40 ”. In a current preferred embodiment of the disclosure ( 41 ) these components are attached together via sewn seams; however, other means could be used including (but not limited to) hook and loop combinations, zippers, button snaps, sufficient adhesive, some fabric welding, lamination, etc. 
         [0057]    In  FIG. 10  you see a side perspective view of  FIG. 9  with a different perspective of the components  10 ,  12 ,  24 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 . The location of the end cross-section view of  FIG. 11  is shown as well.  FIG. 11  shows items ( 42 ) being stored in the shelf ( 32 ) along with the seams ( 36 ,  38 , and  40 ) that connect the three main components of  FIG. 7  together. The netting canopy ( 24 ) hammock body ( 10 ) are visible as well as the approximate upper torso cross-section of the occupant ( 20 ) to give an idea of where the body rests in relation to the other components. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show embodiments of the disclosure that are very similar in shape and use to the components of the current preferred embodiment ( 41 ) shown in  FIGS. 7-11 . They are shown to help show the relationship between the shape of the canopy ( 24 ), the shape of the edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ), and the shape of the adapter panel ( 31 ) needed to join them together.  FIGS. 12B and 13B  show possible canopy shapes.  FIGS. 12C and 13C  show the corresponding shapes taken on by the edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) when an appropriate adapter panel is utilized.  FIGS. 12A and 13A  show the necessary adapter panel ( 31 ) shape that is needed to connect these three components together. It should be noted that the adapter panel ( 31 ) of both  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 13A  will twist in actual use just like the adapter panel ( 31 ) of the current preferred embodiment of the disclosure ( 41 ) illustrated in  FIG. 8B . 
         [0059]      FIG. 14  shows another example of an embodiment of the disclosure. It is meant to point out that, although not as practical as a preferred embodiment, the footbox portion ( 34 ) of the adapter panel ( 31 ) can be excluded from the adapter panel ( 31 ) altogether if its shape is incorporated into the shape of the canopy ( 24 ) itself (as seen in  FIG. 14B ). Again, you can see the relationship between the shape of the canopy ( FIG. 14B ), the shape taken on by the edges ( 17 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) and the required shape of the adapter panel ( FIG. 14 ) needed to join them together. 
         [0060]    As described in more detail earlier (in relation to  FIG. 8 ),  FIGS. 15 and 16  show embodiments of the disclosure that look and act somewhat differently than those embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  12 ,  13  and  14 . However, its the function of the adapter panel ( 31 ) (first explained on p. 3 line 15) that is important. Despite these differences, the shape of the adapter panel ( 31 ) is still determined by the two differently contoured edges (the edge of the desired shape ( 27 ) of the hammock body ( 10 ) and the edge of the canopy ( 24 )) that it will join together. 
         [0061]    It should also be noted that while the disclosure is an improvement specifically to end-gathered hammocks, the adapter panel (and its resulting shelf) could be an improvement to non-end gathered hammocks such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 717,119, which is incorporated herein by reference. Also, the current disclosure describes hammock fabric that is generally rectangular; however, some variations to the rectangle would not affect the effectiveness of the disclosed components. Shapes such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,757 could also be improved upon by the disclosed components, so U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,757 is incorporated herein by reference as well. It should also be noted that the embodiments shown have all been hammocks having only two gathered ends, but hammocks with more gathered ends would be improved as well. A hammock designed for two people might have two head ends and one to two foot ends, for a total of 3-4 gathered ends. An example of such a hammock can be seen in the U.S. published patent application 20090265851, so U.S. Patent Application No. 20090265851 is incorporated herein by reference as well.