Spreader-bar hammock with concave support surface and modular attachment system

Abstract

A hammock assembly is disclosed, comprising a flexible support surface configured to enable a user to lie transversely and in other orientations. The assembly includes two load-bearing spreader bars positioned at opposite ends of the support surface, defining a concave shape when suspended to enhance comfort, stability, and positional versatility. A suspension system with modular interconnectors allows the support surface to be attached and detached for cleaning or replacement. Reinforced attachment sites along the lateral margins incorporate overlapping box pleats to distribute tensile loads and increase weight-bearing capacity. The compact design supports installation between hang points spaced as little as eight feet apart, making the assembly suitable for therapeutic, recreational, and space-constrained environments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A spreader-bar hammock assembly, comprising:
 a support surface having two opposing longitudinal edges and two opposing lateral margins;   two load-bearing spreader bars positioned at opposite ends of the support surface; and   wherein, when suspended between hang points, the support surface assumes a concave shape configured to support a user in a transverse lying position.   
     
     
         2 . The spreader-bar hammock assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a suspension system comprising a plurality of flexible interconnectors;   wherein each of the two load-bearing spreader bars includes one or more of the interconnectors secured thereto; and   wherein each flexible interconnector of the plurality is configured to removably couple to one attachment point of the plurality of attachment points.   
     
     
         3 . The spreader-bar hammock assembly of  claim 2 , wherein each interconnector comprises an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene cordage and is configured as a soft shackle secured to a spreader bar through one or more attachment sites of the support surface. 
     
     
         4 . A spreader-bar hammock assembly, comprising:
 a support surface in a flat, pre-hemmed condition, the support surface comprising:
 two opposing longitudinal edges spaced at least eight feet apart; and 
 a longitudinal midline longer than either of the opposing longitudinal edges, such that, when suspended, the support surface forms a concave profile configured to support a user in a transverse lying position. 
   
     
     
         5 . The spreader-bar hammock assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the support surface comprises a two-way stretch tricot knit. 
     
     
         6 . The spreader-bar hammock assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the support surface defines a generally hexagonal shape when in a flat and unhemmed condition, the hexagonal shape comprising two opposing longitudinal edges and two opposing lateral edges, wherein each of the opposing lateral edges forms an angle that is bisected by the longitudinal midline, whereby in a suspended condition the support surface defines a concave configuration. 
     
     
         7 . A hammock support surface comprising:
 at least one attachment point located at each of the opposing side margins of the support surface;   wherein each attachment point is positioned within a reinforced attachment site that includes an overlapping box pleat formed by folding multiple layers of the support surface fabric to create stacked layers;   wherein the overlapping box pleats are arranged to distribute tensile loads across the stacked layers and enhance the structural strength of the support surface; and
 wherein each attachment point is configured to engage a suspension coupler. 
   
     
     
         8 . The hammock support surface of  claim 7 , wherein each overlapping box pleat comprises at least three stacked fabric layers of the plurality of stacked layers at a corresponding attachment point. 
     
     
         9 . The hammock support surface of  claim 7 , wherein each overlapping box pleat is reinforced by stitching to retain the pleat structure and distribute tensile loads when the support surface is under tension. 
     
     
         10 . The hammock support surface of  claim 7 , wherein the support surface comprises a knit tricot textile having multidirectional stretch properties.