Abstract:
An automated hammock device and system is disclosed. This automated hammock device and system is designed and configured for supporting a hammock bed frame in a suspended configuration above the ground while allowing the accommodation of at least one motor and a plurality of arms for effectuating a continuous hands free swinging or rocking motion to the user lying in the hammock bed. An automated swinging device and a method of using this automated swinging device are also disclosed. This automated swinging device is designed and configured for coupling with an object in a suspended configuration above the ground and providing a driving force to allow the object for effectuating a continuous hands free swinging or rocking motion without effort by the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to hammocks and particularly to hammocks comprising automated swingable hammock bed portions and the automated swinging device providing the driving force for a hammock or the like.  
         [0002]     Hammocks are one of the least expensive, oldest, and most convenient devices for accommodating individuals in a reclining position. Traditionally, hammocks have been strung between trees, upright poles, and other convenient, relatively stable structures. Various hammock devices have been proposed that provide the necessary structure for suspending a hammock from its two ends so that it is maintained in a configuration where it swings freely above the ground. Of necessity such structures must be quite large since they must not only accommodate between their ends the fully extended hammock itself but also a reasonable length at either end of rope or chain to permit the hammock to assume a comfortable position and swing freely.  
         [0003]     Hammock swings are built so that one or more people can enjoy their comfort and style. Hammock swings, are beds or benches that are typically suspended from ropes. Traditional hammock designs allow people to manually rock back and forth and enjoy the relaxation provided. However, once an individual is situated in a lying position within a suspended hammock, it is almost impossible to cause the hammock to swing without the assistance of another person.  
         [0004]     Therefore a need exists for a hammock apparatus and frame that is sturdy enough to accommodate a person and the necessary components that facilitate a continuous hands free automated swinging or rocking motion to the hammock bed containing an individual lying therein without the need for another person to cause the hammock bed to swing.  
         [0005]     The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages by accomplishing the needs as identified above, through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a low cost to manufacture and assemble, and by employing readily available material.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In summation, this invention is directed to an automated hammock device and system for supporting a hammock bed frame in a suspended configuration above the ground while allowing the accommodation of at least one motor and a plurality of arms for effectuating a continuous hands free swinging or rocking motion to the user lying in the hammock bed. The base frame and the support frames for supporting the bed frame is provided to maintain the bed frame in a generally horizontal configuration during use.  
         [0007]     The hammock system comprises a hammock driving or swinging mechanism that is operationally and removably connected to a hammock bed frame for moving the hammock in a swinging motion.  
         [0008]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel, useful and unobvious hammock system that can operate via a pendulum swing motion without effort by the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide a hammock system with simple construction, easy to use, easy to assemble, economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation.  
         [0009]     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automated swing device, which can be couple to any conventional article, including a hammock or the like.  
         [0010]     A further object of the present invention is to design and configure a swing device that can produce a constant swing while providing an overall unit having minimal electrical components so as to provide for a device that will inherently reduce costly repairs.  
         [0011]     It will become apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, combine to result in the unexpected advantages and utilities of the present invention. The advantages and objects of the present invention and features of such a cold air induction system, apparatus and method will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying description, drawing figures, and appended claims.  
         [0012]     The foregoing has outlined broadly features of the invention to better understand the detailed description that follows, and to better understand the contribution of the present invention to the art. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. The claims, therefore, include such equivalent constructions to the extent the equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is neither intended to define the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.  
         [0013]     It should be understood that any one of the features of the invention may be used separately or in combination with other features. It should be understood that features which have not been mentioned herein may be used in combination with one or more of the features mentioned herein. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.  
         [0014]     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent when considered in connection with the following, detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which description is presented in conjunction with annexed drawings below.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown herein. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
         [0016]     The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts. For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the automated hammock system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is an end view of an automated swing device connected to a swing hammock according to a embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those detailed below without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.  
         [0020]     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.  
         [0021]     There have thus been outlined features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.  
         [0022]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0023]     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0024]     With reference to the drawings, specifically  FIG. 1 , an automated swinging hammock system  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention, is shown. The automated swing hammock system  10  of the present invention comprises a bed frame  20 , two hanging assemblies  40  comprising a left hanging assembly  41  and a right hanging assembly  45  integrally connected to the bed frame  20 , a base frame  100 , two support frames  130  comprising a left support frame  131  and a right support frame  135  integrally connected to the base frame  100 , wherein two hanging rods  50 ,  52  integrally extend from the left hanging assembly  41  and the right hanging assembly respectively  45  and are securely and removably inserted into longitudinal cavities defined in the two holding members  150 ,  152  integrally extending from a top portion of each of the support frames  130 . With this design and configuration, the base frame  100  and the two support frames  130  provide support while the bed frame  20  and the hanging assemblies  40  are in suspended position and the connection between the hanging rods  50 ,  52  and the holding members  150 ,  152  provides the capability for the bed frame  20  to swing in a pendulum motion when a swinging force is applied.  
         [0025]     As another embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , an automated swing device  200  driven by a motor  210  is secured on the base frame  100  and connected via a plurality of rods to one of the hanging assemblies  40 , thereby providing a driving force to swing the bed frame  20  without effort by a user.  
         [0026]     In further reference to  FIG. 1 , the bed frame  20  substantially forms a rectangle structure comprising a back bar  22 , a front bar  24 , a left bar  26 , and a right bar  28 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the length of the back bar  22  and the front bar  24  is preferably about 84 inches and the length of the left bar  26  and the right bar  28  is preferably between 36 and 72 inches. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the length of bars  22 ,  24 ,  26 , and  28  can vary according to the design size desired by the user without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Alternatively, the bed frame  20  can be a structure of any shape as a user desires, which includes, but is not limited to, a square, an oval, a circle, or a trapezoid structure.  
         [0027]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the two hanging assemblies  40  are integrally connected to the bed frame  20 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , one end of a back arm  42  of the left hanging assembly  41  is integrally connected to the back left corner of the bed frame  20 , one end of the front arm  44  of the left hanging assembly  41  is integrally connected to the front left corner of the bed frame  20 , and the back arm  42  and the front arm  44  extended upward in a gradually narrowing angle toward each other and conjointly connect to form a triangular structure, which defines the left hanging assembly  41 . Similarly, the right hanging assembly  45  is configured to be connected to the right side of the bed frame  20 .  
         [0028]     The angle between the bed frame  20  and the hanging assemblies  40  can be any angle between about 90 to about 180 degrees. As a person of the ordinary in the art will understand, the angles between each hanging assembly  41 ,  45  and the bed frame  20  can be substantially the same as to form a symmetry configuration between the hanging assemblies  41 ,  45  and the bed frame  20 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the preferred angle is about 60 degrees.  
         [0029]     Also shown in  FIG. 1 , the left hanging rod  50  is integrally connected to the top of the triangular shaped structure of the left hanging assembly  41 . Desirably, the left hanging rod  50  is substantially parallel to the bed frame  20 . The length of the left hanging rod  50  is preferably of a length to fit within the longitudinal cavity of the holding members  150 . The right hanging rod  52  is similarly connected to the top portion of the triangular shaped structure of the right hanging assembly  45 . The length of the left hanging rod  52  is preferably of a length to fit within the longitudinal cavity of the holding members  152 . As a person of the ordinary in the art will understand, the configuration of these connections allow for symmetry between the left and right side of the hammock apparatus.  
         [0030]     Now directing attention to the base frame  100 . The base frame  100  is substantially a rectangle structure comprising a back member  102 , a front member  104 , a left  20  member  110 , and a right member  112 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the length of the back member  102  and the front member  104  is preferably about 114 inches and the length of the left member  110  and the right member  112  is preferably between 48 and 108 inches. The base frame  100  can also be a structure of any shape a user desires, which includes, but is not limited to, a square, an oval, a circle, or a trapezoid structure.  
         [0031]     Preferably, the base frame  100  has a left inner member  120  integrally connected to the side of the back member  102  and side of the front member  104  of the base frame  100 , and the length of the left inner member  120  is substantially the same as the left member  110  of the base frame  100 . Similarly, the right inner member  122  is integrally connected to the side of the back member  102  and the side of the front member  104  of the base frame  100 . The length of the right inner member  122  is substantially the same as the right member  112  of the base frame  100 . The purpose of the left inner member  120  and the right inner member  122  is to reinforce the structure of the base frame  100  in this embodiment.  
         [0032]     Now directing attention to the support frames  130 . The left support frame  131  comprises a back arm  132  and a front arm  134 . One end of the back arm  132  is integrally connected to the back left corner of the base frame  100 . The back arm  132  and the front arm  134  extend upward in a gradually narrowing angle from the base frame  100  and each form a narrow angle with the left member  110  of the base frame  100  to form a triangular shaped structure defining the left support frame  131 . Similarly, the right support frame  135  is configured to be connected to the right side of the base frame  100 . The height of the left support frame  131  and the right support frame  135  is substantially the same and is determined at the choice of the user.  
         [0033]     Also shown in  FIG. 1 , the left holding member  150  is integrally connected to the top of the arc shape structure of the left support frame  131 . Desirably the left holding member  150  is parallel to the base frame  100  and perpendicular to the left support frame  131 . The length of the left holding member  150  is preferably comparable to the length of the left extended hanging rod  50 . The left holding member  150  forms a cylindrical structure having a plurality of bearings within the cavity of the structure. The diameter of the cavity of the left holding member  150  is such that the left extended hanging rod  50  can be easily inserted and freely rotated or pivoted. Similarly, the right holding member  152  is connected to the top of the triangular shaped structure of the right support frame  135 . The length and diameter of the right holding member  152  are configured as described in relation to the left holding member  150 , that is to allow the right extended hanging rod  52  to freely rotate or pivot inside the cavity of the right holding member  152  in a pendulum motion.  
         [0034]     In the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 , reinforcing rods  140 ,  142 ,  144 , and  146  are preferably configured to be integrally connected to the corners between the back member  102  and the front member  104  of the base frame  100  and the left support frame  131  between the back member  102  and the front member  104  and the right support frame  135 .  
         [0035]     According to  FIG. 1 , the automated swinging device  200  is integrated into the swing system  10  to provide a driving force to swing the bed frame  20  in a desired pendulum motion without effort by a user. The automated swinging device  200  can be integrated into the swing system  10  on either side of the swing system  10  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0036]     Now turning to  FIG. 2 , a side view is shown of the automated swing device  200  as connected to the left support frame  131  of the present invention to form the automated swinging hammock system  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the motor  210  is situated and secured to a motor stand  250 , which is secured to the left inner member  120  and the left member  110  of the base frame  100 . However, the motor stand  250  can also be secured to the right inner member  122  and the right member  112  of the base frame  100  as desired by the user. The motor stand  250  can be any kind of structure to secure the motor  210 . The motor  210  can be a DC motor with power range in between ⅙ hp and 1 hp or an AC motor with power range in between ⅙ hp and 1 hp. When a DC motor is used, a variable controller is preferably coupled with the motor so that the speed of the motor can be desirably controlled. The DC or AC motor can be any conventional motor available on the market.  
         [0037]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , one end of a crank  220  is removably connected to the motor  210 , and the opposite end of the crank  220  is hingebly connected to one end of a crank arm  230 . the opposite end of the crank arm  230  is hingebly connected to one end of a rocker arm  240 , and the opposite end of the rocker arm  240  is integrally connected to the left hanging rod  50  provided the device  200  is assembled on the left side of the swing system  10 . However, the right hanging rod  52  is utilized to connect the rocker arm  240  if the device  200  is assembled on the right side of the swing system  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0038]     In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , the crank  220  is about 2 to 6 inches long, the crank arm  230  is about 12 to 48 inches long, and the rocker am  240  is about 23 inches long.  
         [0039]     In the configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 , when the motor  210  is on, the motor  210  provides a driving force to rotate the crank  220  in a 360 degree clockwise motion, which drives the crank arm  230 , which in turn drives the rocker arm  240 , which eventually drives the bed frame  20  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) in a pendulum motion. Therefore, when the motor  210  is on, the automated swing device  200  drives the bed frame  20  in the pendulum swing motion without the effort of a user.  
         [0040]     In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the material for constructing the hammock system and the automated swing device can be any kind of conventional material including but limited to steel, aluminum, plastic, or the like.  
         [0041]     Specifically in the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the term “integrally connected” refers to any conventional connection means including but limited to welding, natural extension, nailing, or hinging. The term “hingebly connected”refers to any conventional connection means utilizing pivotal connection to couple two objects and allow each object movement along the plane of the conjunction of the two objects.  
         [0042]     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments as may be desired.  
         [0043]     Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It is therefore, contemplated that the claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention