Hammock systems and methods

Abstract

A bridge hammock system comprises a suspension system and a load bearing sling. The suspension system comprises a suspension line and defines first and second ends. The load bearing sling has a load support surface region for supporting the load and a side panel region. The first end of the suspension system defines a first slope, and the second end of the suspension system defines a second slope. The side panel region supports the load support surface region from the suspension system. The side panel region integrates a curve of the suspension system with the load bearing surface region such that a collective slope of the suspension system is greater than zero, tension forces on the first end of the suspension system are substantially upwardly directed, and tension forces on the second end of the suspension system are at least one of substantially laterally and substantially downwardly directed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bridge hammock system for suspending at least one load between first and second anchor points, the hammock system comprising:
 a suspension system comprising at least one suspension line and defining a first end adapted to be connected to the first anchor point and a second end adapted to be connected to the second anchor point; and   a load bearing sling having at least one load support surface region and at least one side panel region; wherein   the suspension system defines a curve such that the first end of the suspension system defines a first slope and the second end of the suspension system defines a second slope;   the at least one side panel region supports the at least one load support surface region from the suspension system;   the at least one side panel region is sized and shaped to integrate the curve of the suspension system with the load bearing surface region such that
 a collective slope of the suspension system is greater than zero, 
 tension forces on the first end of the suspension system are substantially upwardly directed, and 
 tension forces on the second end of the suspension system are at least one of substantially laterally and substantially downwardly directed; and 
   the at least one load is arranged on the at least one load support surface region.   
     
     
         2 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the desired shape and orientation of the at least one load support surface region is adapted to support a human occupant in a generally horizontal orientation. 
     
     
         3 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the desired shape and orientation of the at least one load support surface portion is adapted to support a human occupant in a sitting or reclining posture. 
     
     
         4 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one spreader configured to engage the suspension system. 
     
     
         5 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of spreaders configured to engage the suspension system. 
     
     
         6 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising at least one rigid member defining the at least one load support surface portion. 
     
     
         7 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the suspension system comprises a single suspension line configured and arranged to support the at least one side panel region to suspend the at least one load bearing surface portion from the single suspension line. 
     
     
         8 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a soft spreader engaging at least a portion of the load bearing sling. 
     
     
         9 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the collective slope of the suspension system is greater than approximately 10 degrees. 
     
     
         10 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the hammock system operates in a hammock mode and in a tent mode, wherein:
 in the hammock mode, at least a portion of the load bearing sling is suspended above the ground such that the load is supported above the ground;   in the tent mode, at least a portion of the load bearing sling is arranged to define a shelter for a person sitting on the ground; and   when the hammock system operates in the tent mode, a first portion of the load bearing sling adjacent to the first end of the suspension system is higher and wider than a second portion of the load bearing sling adjacent to the second end of the suspension system.   
     
     
         11 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising at least a first elongate member and a second elongate member, where the first and second elongate members are configured in:
 a first mode in which the first and second elongate members are separately arranged to engage the suspension system; and   a second mode in which the first elongate member is connected to the second elongate member to form a riser pole having an effective length that is greater than lengths of either of the first and second elongate members.   
     
     
         12 . A method for suspending at least one load between at least first and second anchor points, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a suspension system comprising at least one suspension line and defining a first end and a second end;   connecting the first end to the first anchor point;   connecting the second end to the second anchor point; and   providing a load bearing sling having at least one load support surface region and at least one side panel region;   operatively connecting the load bearing sling to the suspension system such that
 the suspension system defines a curve, where the first end of the suspension system defines a first slope and the second end of the suspension system defines a second slope, and 
 the at least one side panel region supports the at least one load support surface region from the suspension system; 
   sizing and shaping the at least one side panel region to integrate the curve of the suspension system with the load bearing surface region such that
 the load bearing surface region defines a desired position and orientation of the load, 
 a collective slope of the suspension system is greater than zero, 
 tension forces on the upper attachment portion are substantially upwardly directed, and 
 tension forces on the lower attachment portion are at least one of substantially laterally and substantially downwardly directed; and 
   arranging the at least one load on the at least one load support surface region at a position below the first anchor point and above the second anchor point.   
     
     
         13 . A bridge hammock system for suspending at least one load from two or more anchor points, the hammock system comprising:
 a suspension system comprising at least one suspension line and defining a first end adapted to be connected to the first anchor point and a second end adapted to be connected to the second anchor point; and   a load bearing sling having a plurality of load support surface regions and at least one side panel region; wherein   the suspension system defines a curve such that the first end of the suspension system defines a first slope and the second end of the suspension system defines a second slope;   the at least one side panel region supports the at least one load support surface region from the suspension system;   the at least one side panel region is sized and shaped to integrate the curve of the suspension system with the load bearing surface region such that
 a collective slope of the suspension system is greater than zero, 
 tension forces on the first end of the suspension system are substantially upwardly directed, and 
 tension forces on the second end of the suspension system are at least one of substantially laterally and substantially downwardly directed; and 
   the at least one load is arranged on the at least one of the plurality of load support surface regions.   
     
     
         14 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 13 , in which at least one of the plurality of load supporting surface regions is configured to support an animal. 
     
     
         15 . A bridge hammock system as recited in  claim 13 , in which at least one of the plurality of load supporting surface regions is configured to support a plant.