WO2002004767A1

WO2002004767A1 - Suspendible hammock tent

Info

Publication number: WO2002004767A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2000/000171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andre Robinson
Original assignee: Andre Robinson
Priority date: 2000-07-13
Filing date: 2000-09-17
Publication date: 2002-01-17
Also published as: AU2001223013A1

Abstract

A tent with a hammock running through it, that pitches on the ground like a conventional tent or could be suspended above ground level between anchors, which operates on the principle that if you stretch a hammock laterally and longitudinally, the hammock forms a semi-rigid base that supports a tent, its poles and straps on top and the ground sheet hanging underneath. Only a singlerope/tent peg on each longitudinal end of the hammock is necessary for suspension/pitching. The suspendible hammock tent consists of a rectangular hammock with merging straps at each longitudinal end (which supply the means to suspending the hammock) fastened to a pole acrossat each end, with a similar rectangular based primary tent fastened along the hammock's outeredge with the tent's groundsheet fastened to the edge underneath the hammock. Two verticalpoles resting on the centre of each of the poles across, and rising to the tent ridge, support thetent upright with adjustable straps from the top of each vertical pole to the hammock suspending straps at the point where they merge, stretching the tent ridge lengthwise. Entrance is via a zipper door at the tents side. A water-proofed tent layer covers the primary tent and is fastened to sixspacing poles sliding onto the four across pole ends, and the tops of the two vertical pole ends,and is stretched lengthwise by two straps running from the layer's ridge to the hammock's suspending straps at the point where they merge.

Description

SUSPENDIBLE HAMMOCK TENT

DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field ofthe invention.

The present invention relates to a tent that is suspendible like a hammock.

2. General background and prior art.

A person sleeping outdoors utilizing a tent would need to level the ground where lie/she intends to pitch the tent, dig trenches to redirect rainwater, plant pegs to stabilize/stretch

the tent and sleep on an insulating mat to ward off coldness and ensure comfort.

Sleeping outdoors using a hammock or a hammock combined with a tent/shelter/canopy restricts the camper to finding anchors for suspension whicli is not always possible especially in deserts, mountainous and rocky areas.

To solve these problems the suspendible hammock tent was invented.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Definitions as per the Concise Oxford Dictionary:

"Hamm'ock, n. Hanging bed of canvas or netting suspended by cords at ends."

"Tent, n. Portable shelter of canvas, cloth, etc., supported by pole(s) and stretched by cords secured to ^" pegs driven into ground." The suspendible hammock tent is a portable tent combined with a hammock where the

combination's intended use is to function without modifications as a:

- Conventional tent, being pitched flat on the earth between only two tent pegs,

- Hammock, being suspended above the ground between two anchors from the two utmost longitudinal ends ofthe hammock by cords, straps or ropes,

- Hammock tent, being suspended as the abovementioned hammock but with the tent

erected and supported independent of any other means but the hammock base.

The basic operating principle ofthe suspendible hammock tent is that a suspendible hammock, if stretched longitudinally between two anchors and stretched open laterally by two poles which are fastened close to the opposite ends, forms a semi-rigid rectangle (as viewed from above), that can

support the identical rectangular base ofthe tent which is fastened on top, the vertical tent poles, the tensioning cords and the tent's groundsheet which is fastened below the hammock. This is unique to the invention because no other extra means of support for the hammock or the lent are necessary, but for the two ropes/cords or straps from the two utmost longitudinal ends of the

hammock to the anchors. By putting any weight on the hammock, it stretches more, increasing

its rigidity, thereby creating an even more stable load-bearing base for the lent and the groundsheet.

The suspendible hammock tent overcomes the problems associated with prior art shelters by being

multi-functional in its final design and also utilizing tension and weight for stability and support

with no other cords/ropes or straps necessary. The suspendible hammock tent consists in whole or in combinations of canvas, cloth, plastic,

compounds, nylon, netting or any material manufactured to withstand weather and/or outdoor

elements. The rigid/flexible pole(s) consist of metal, alloys, plastic, wood or any material suitable for bearing a load, including air bag structures. The straps/cords/rope are elastic/non-elastic and consist of metal, nylon or any material used in the manufacturing of rope.

By changing the width of the suspendible hammock tent, it will accommodate one or more

persons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a suspendible hammock tent according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION TO THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 1 the suspendible hammock tent is shown in three sections - A, B and C.

Section A: Hammock of netting 5 fastened to poles 4, cords 6 and suspension straps 3 which

forms the base with an attached bag 2 of suitable groundsail material functioning as insulation from below and also extra packing space for loose items via zipper 1.

Section B: Tent 9 fastened either permanently by sewing etc., or temporarily by clips etc., on top

ofthe hammock A. Entry into the tent 9 is via the zipper 12 which outlines the door. The lent is

stretched vertically by two poles 10 anchored on the hammock and lent ridge, horizontally by four pole extensions 7 fitting on the ends ofthe two hammock poles 4, and. lengthwise by elastic cord

13 running along the tent ridge, fastened at both ends to straps 8 running through buckles which

are fastened on hammock suspension strap ends 3. This section could be the primary or final tent layer dependant on material used in the manufacture, eg netting or Goretex.

Section C: Tent protective layer 16 manufactured of water-resistant material, tensiυned and

spaced from the primary layer by two spacers 17 sliding in on top of vertical tent poles 10, four

hooks 14 on bottom corners hooking into ends of pole extensions 7, buckle and reinforcement strap 15 fastened to the doubled back section ofthe tent tension strap 8.

It is possible to manufacture the suspendible hammock tent in other configurations, eg tunnel or

dome shaped instead ofthe A-shape as described.

The advantages ofthe suspendible hammock tent against prior art shelters are:

— It only has to be suspended between two fixed objects and its tent erected to fulfil the same purpose as a conventional tent, saving time.

— It weighs less because of lower head space necessary than a conventional tent to operate

effectively.

— It needs less material than a conventional tent, lowering manufacturing costs.

— It could be suspended over uneven surfaces, providing a range of camping spot options, which are impossible for a conventional tent.

— It could be suspended without erecting the tent, thereby functioning as a conventional

hammock. Examples of potential markets for the suspendible hammock tent are:

— National Defence: Infantiy shelters

— Recreation: Hiking/climbing tents

— Survival: Rescue stretchers

— Medical: Oxygen and isolation tents.

Claims

1. A tent and hammock combination that could function equally without modifications as:

— An erected tent pitched flat on the earth without any external support but for two

tent pegs.

— A suspended hammock.

— A suspended hammock with an erected tent on top.

2. A tent and hammock combination according to claim 1 whereby stretching and/or

suspending the hammock section with a single rope at each longitudinal end, causes it to change into a semi-rigid structure that will support a tent/shelter completely without any other ropes necessary between the anchors/ground.

3. A suspendible hammock tent as described with reference to the accompanying drawing.