Abstract:
The present disclosure provides for a sleep apparatus with a base having an asymmetric design, featuring an integrated sleeve such that a pad may be inserted into the sleeve. The sleep apparatus may also have a net that provides for an enclosure. The asymmetric design of the base and the pad that fits into the integrated sleeve provide for a substantially flat surface for a user to lie on while using this sleep apparatus. This substantially flat surface creates a more-uniform pressure against a user&#39;s body allowing for the sleep apparatus to be comfortably resided-in for longer periods of time when compared with a traditional hammock. The net of the present invention creates a means for suspending the insect net above a user. The sleep apparatus may be optionally equipped with a storage pouch.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/108,342 filed on Jan. 27, 2015, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0002]    The invention and its embodiments relate to sleeping apparatuses, namely hammocks. In particular the present invention and its embodiments relate to a hammock having a base with an asymmetrical design as well as dense netting to provide restful sleep and protection from insects and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    A hammock is a sling made of rope, fabric, netting, or the like that is suspended between and attached to two points. Hammocks were originally used in Central and South America, but have advanced with the times, and are now prevalent in today&#39;s society. Hammocks are typically designed for one of two different types of users: 1) those designed for leisure users and 2) those designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The hammocks built for the “outdoor enthusiast” combine the use of modern technology including netting, protections from the elements, and lightweight materials. However, even with these modern advances, the current hammocks still leave much to be desired. 
         [0004]    A common issue with current hammock designs is the disproportionate pressure placed on the back of a user&#39;s knees and shoulders. This non-uniform pressure is a result of the hammock&#39;s sling being generally wider towards the middle of the sling and narrower at the attached ends of the sling. Additionally, when suspended, hammocks traditionally bear a general ‘U’ shape, further exacerbating this problem of non-uniform pressure. These characteristics lead to the aforementioned issues with a user&#39;s knees and shoulders and contribute to the general discomfort that occurs after using a hammock for an extended period of time. 
         [0005]    As noted above, hammocks may be equipped with netting that will shield a user from insects. However, existing hammocks equipped with insect nettings have drawbacks as to the manner of attaching the netting. For example, in the past, insect nettings have been permanently affixed to the periphery of the hammock while maintaining a resealable entrance area. However, a user moving back and forth through the resealable entrance area inevitably places undue strain on the netting, which can cause separation between the hammock and netting. This separation breaks the insect-impermeable shield, defeating the entire purpose of the incorporation of the net. Further, the mere movement of a user within the hammock causes undue strain the attachment means of insect nettings taught by the prior art. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a need for a hammock that generates more-uniform pressure across the body of a user, allowing it to be used comfortably for long periods of time. Further, there is a need for a hammock with an insect netting that allows a user to move or shift their weight while using the hammock without causing undue strain on the netting. Moreover, these goals must all be accomplished without sacrificing the lightweight and durable nature of traditional hammocks. The present invention and its embodiments meets and exceed these objectives. 
         [0007]    Review of Related Technology: 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,757 pertains to a hammock that includes a bed made of a piece of flexible material gathered by folding it at its opposite ends. The hammock is suspended by ropes that are attached to the gathered ends, wherein the ropes are tied to nearby trees. The edges of the bed are drawn apart along a tension axis which is diagonal to the suspension axis, giving the bed the shape of a non-equilateral polygon so that one can lie diagonally across the suspension axis, whereby the back is well supported. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,320,542 pertains to a portable, suspended outdoor shelter that includes a base panel having a pair of stiffening members secured by a pair of sleeves disposed along opposed longitudinally extending sides of the base panel. A pair of reinforcing web members extend along and reinforce the sleeves while extended substantially beyond those sleeves sot that they may be secured to a pair of spaced apart support structures. A plurality of resilient, linear tubular members are bent in an inverted U configuration and are secured above and between the stiffening members to apply tension laterally to the base panel. End panels extend between the ends of the base panel and the lower portions of their respective reinforcing web member. There exist a window and a door disposed in each end panel. A canopy extends between the upper edges of the end panels, and is supported by the inverted U tubular members. The base, end panels, and canopy define an enclosed shelter which is suspended above the ground between two support structures, securing a user from the elements and ground-dwelling creatures. 
         [0010]    U.S. Patent Application 2011/0010849 pertains to a hammock design which provides increased support in its medial portion via a combination of wide bands of fabric situated in a lengthwise X-shaped formation with a curved or bent spreader bar. Preferably, the spreader bar rises from a lower middle part toward higher raised ends. This hammock provides a user with comfortable positioning with nearly horizontal transverse support at the users shoulders and while orienting the user a nearly level position from head to toe. 
         [0011]    Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. Such hammocks fail to relieve the pressure placed on muscles and joints. In turn, the other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. The present invention and its embodiments provide for a design which enables the hammock to lay substantially flatter, or horizontal, than in the traditional “U” shape of hammocks. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0012]    The present disclosure provides for a sleeping apparatus, comprising: a hammock portion, comprising: a pair of support cords each having a first and second end; a suspension cord having a first and second end; a middle panel that is substantially rectangular in shape, wherein said middle panel is equipped with an integrated sleeve adapted to receive a support pad; a first longitudinal panel that is substantially triangular in shape, wherein the first longitudinal panel shares at least one common edge with the middle panel; a second longitudinal panel that is substantially triangular in shape, wherein the second longitudinal panel shares at least one common edge with the middle panel; a first lateral panel that is substantially triangular in shape, wherein the first lateral panel shares at least one common edge with the middle panel; wherein the shared common edge is reinforced with webbing; a second lateral panel that is substantially triangular in shape, wherein the second lateral panel shares at least one common edge with the middle panel; wherein the shared common edge is reinforced with webbing; a first support panel that is substantially triangular in shape, wherein the first support panel shares at least one common edge with the first longitudinal panel and at least one common edge with the first lateral panel; wherein the shared common edge is reinforced with webbing; a second support panel that is substantially triangular in shape, wherein the second support panel shares at least one common edge with the second longitudinal panel and at least one common edge with the second lateral panel; wherein the shared common edge is reinforced with webbing; a first and second receiving portions, wherein said first receiving portion is attached to at least one edge of the first support panel and is capable of receiving a means for suspending the sleep apparatus, wherein said second receiving portion is attached to at least one edge of the support second panel and is capable of receiving a means for suspending the sleep apparatus; and a net portion, comprising: a fabric lattice, at least one suspension hole, wherein said net is stitched to the first and second support panels, said net being gathered at one end proximate to an edge of the first support panel and secured with one gathering loop to create a seal at said gathering, said net being gathered at another end with the open end of the left panel and secured with another gathering loop, such that a seal is effectively created at said gathering; said suspension cord is brought through the suspension hole such that the net is suspended above a user, wherein one support cord has one end affixed to the gathering of the net and the first support panel; and wherein one support cord has one end affixed to the gathering of the net and the second support panel. 
         [0013]    The present invention comprises a sleeping apparatus (hammock) that provides for improved comfort when compared to a traditional hammock. This is achieved via two mechanisms. The first is the asymmetrical shape of the base of the present invention. This asymmetrical shape allows for a user&#39;s weight to be distributed more evenly by placing the bulk of the user&#39;s weigh along the axis created by a line drawn from the two points of suspension of the present invention. The second mechanism is through the use of a support pad being inserted into an integrated sleeve. The support pad creates a flatter surface when compared with the ‘U’ shape of a traditional hammock. This flatter surface which eases the strain placed on a user&#39;s shoulders, allowing for the present invention to be comfortably resided in for a longer period of time than a traditional hammock. It should be noted that while preferable, it is not necessary to have an inflatable pad to utilize the present invention. 
         [0014]    Further, the present invention also provides for insect netting incorporated into the structure of the base of the present invention such that a user will be protected from insect bites. The present invention also contains an improved stitching means such that a user moving around while in the hammock will generate less strain in the fabric that comprises the hammock and insect net. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is equipped with a travel pack. This travel pack allows the hammock to be conveniently stored while travelling and will double as a gear bag while the present invention is in use. Further, the present invention may be optionally equipped with pockets, extra gear loops, and cord loops at the end of the hammock. 
         [0015]    In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives. 
         [0016]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hammock that may be packed up and carried easily. 
         [0017]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hammock that is lightweight and durable. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hammock that provides greater support than a traditional hammock. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hammock that contains an insect net that can be easily deployed. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hammock that provides some insulation. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a hammock that exerts more-uniform pressure on a user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the invention, highlighting the detachable nature of the net of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention, highlighting the pad. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is top view of an embodiment of the present invention, highlighting the composition of the base of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0029]    Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention is shown. This view shows an embodiment of the invention while in use. Specifically, sleeping apparatus  100  is comprised of net  101 , a plurality of suspension cords  102 , base  103 , a plurality of support cords  104 , a plurality of gear loops  121 , and zipper seam  107 . In a preferred embodiment, sleeping apparatus  100  is optionally equipped with storage pouch  105 . In another preferred embodiment, net  101  has a density of at least 2000 holes per square inch, preferably at least 2100 holes per square inch. Nets of this density serve as an effective barrier against all manner of insects, including ceratopogonidae, colloquially known as “no see ums.” Suspension cords  102  serve to keep net  101  taught such that when zipper seam  107  is engaged, there exists a space for a user to relax in a bug-free space in the area between base  103  and net  101 . When equipped, storage pouch  105  provides a means to easily carry sleeping apparatus  100  when not in use. This makes sleeping apparatus  100  particularly well-suited for use while hiking, and performing other outdoor activities. Plurality of gear loops  121  provide a means for a user to hang gear outside of the enclosure created by base  103  and net  101 . In a preferred embodiment, plurality of gear loops  121  will extend into the enclosure, allowing a user to hang and access items from within the enclosure. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a side view of an embodiment of the invention is shown. Specifically, sleeping apparatus  100  is displayed, highlighting a number of features. One such feature, is the ability of net  101  and base  103  to be separated along zipper seam  107  so that a user may easily enter sleeping apparatus  100 . Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, sleeping apparatus  100  is optionally equipped with pad  108 . Pad  108  provided additional support for a user resting in sleeping apparatus  100 . Further, pad  108  provides insulation for a user, allowing sleeping apparatus  100  to be used in a wider range of climates. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in shown. This view shows an embodiment of the present invention while suspended. Of note here is how plurality of gear loops  121  is used to support suspension cord  102  while extending into the enclosure between net  101  and base  103  to provide for additional loops for gear to be attached to. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a top view of an embodiment of the invention is shown. This view highlights the asymmetrical nature of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 4  shows how sleeping apparatus  100  is shaped so that a user may enjoy a substantially flat sleeping experience while being suspended in the air. Additionally, the location of pad  108  is shown in relation to the entirety of this preferred embodiment of sleeping apparatus  100 . This functionality is intended to greatly increase the ease of insertion of pad  108 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a front view of an embodiment of the present invention is provided. This view highlights how pad  108  interfaces with the present invention. As can be seen, pad  108  slides directly into integrated sleeve  110 . In a preferred embodiment, pad  108  is inflatable, and contains air valve  109 . By having air valve  109  located within the area enclosed by base  103  and net  101 , a user is able to first slide an uninflated pad  108  into base  103  and subsequently inflate said pad  108 . This can assist with the insertion of pad  108  into integrated sleeve  110 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a top view of an embodiment of the present invention is provided for. Specifically, this view highlights the asymmetrical nature of base  103 . Due in part to this asymmetrical shape, when in use, sleeping apparatus  100  is substantially more planar than a traditional hammock. In a preferred embodiment, base  103  is equipped with pad  108  or some other pad inside of integrated sleeve  110  to provide further rigidity in base  103 . Here, a top view of base  103  of sleeping apparatus  100  laid flat is shown. In a preferred embodiment, base  103  is comprised of middle panel  106 , first longitudinal panel  114 , second longitudinal panel  115 , first support panel  112 , second support panel  113 , first lateral panel  120 , and second lateral panel  121 . In another preferred embodiment, base  103  is equipped with a plurality of internal pockets  118 . In yet another preferred embodiment, base  103  is equipped with first base support receiving member  116 , and second base support receiving member  117 . First and second base support receiving members  116  and  117 , when used in conjunction with base suspension cord  104  provide a mechanism to allow base  103  to be suspended. It should be noted that while this embodiment is comprised of 7 different panels, it is possible to construct the present invention out of three panels. For example, first support panel  112 , second longitudinal panel  115  and first lateral panel  119  can be combined to make a single panel. In an alternative embodiment, second longitudinal panel  115 , middle panel  106 , and first longitudinal panel  114  could be combined to create a single panel. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, first and second longitudinal panels  114  and  115  are each connected to at least one edge of middle panel  106 . In that same embodiment, first and second lateral panels  119  and  120  are each connected to at least one edge of the middle panel, and first and second support panels  112  and  113  are also each connected to at least one edge of the neighboring longitudinal and lateral panels. In one embodiment first and second base support receiving members  116  and  117  are optionally omitted from the invention. In alternative embodiments first and second base support receiving portions  116  and  117  are attached to the edges of first and second support panels  112  and  113  that are not shared with an adjacent panel. It should be noted that while preferable, it is not necessary to have an inflatable pad to utilize the present invention. 
         [0037]    It should be noted that the relative size and shape of the middle panel  106 , first and second longitudinal panels  114  and  115 , first and second lateral panels  103  and  109 , and support panels  104  and  108  shown in  FIG. 1  are meant to be illustrative of one embodiment of the invention, but other embodiments wherein the panels deviate from the exact proportions of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention has a total length of approximately 320 cm, where the zippers on the invention extend approximately 280 cm with 20 cm on either side of the zipper being sewn shut. Further, the netting is able to be opened fully and folder over the top of the hammock portion of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the hammock has zippers to make it easy to get in and out of the present invention. Double pull YKK zippers are the desired component for these zippers, but alternative zippers may also be used. In an alternative embodiment, said netting may be attached to the entire perimeter of the hammock portion of the present invention. This provides the additional benefit of making the present invention reversible. 
         [0039]    In yet another preferred embodiment, net  101  is not attached to first lateral panel  119  nor second lateral panel  120 . This allows less netting to be used, resulting in the present invention being lighter. Further, the space created by not attaching the net to first lateral panel  119  nor second lateral panel  120  is closed when support cord  104  is gathered at the ends and a knot is used to tie support cord  104  off. 
         [0040]    Additionally, pad  108  may be secured by a fold over flap to keep the pad in place. That is, a flap of fabric where pad  108  may be inserted and then excess material may be folded over the top to have pad  108  retain its position. 
         [0041]    It should be noted that in the vast majority of the numerous embodiments of the invention, that the panels are secured by reinforced webbing. In an alternative embodiment, all of the seams of the present invention are reinforced by webbing. In yet another alternative embodiment, the seams may not be reinforced at all. 
         [0042]    When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
         [0043]    While the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed.