WO2006011971A2

WO2006011971A2 - Water swung hammock

Info

Publication number: WO2006011971A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/020619
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter D. Boyd
Original assignee: Boyd Peter D
Priority date: 2004-06-25
Filing date: 2005-06-10
Publication date: 2006-02-02
Also published as: WO2006011971A3; US20050251910A1

Abstract

A water-swung hammock is provided that requires no measure of human or mechanical effort to swing back and forth, thereby increasing a hammock's relaxation characteristics and enabling enjoyment of a hammock on the water. The water-swung hammock includes a floatable body for supporting a main body frame. The floatable body includes a generally flat central portion and raised ends so as to form a sled that is capable of supporting a user. The water-swung hammock further includes a swingable sheet for supporting the user and a support for swingable suspension of the swingable sheet relative to the main body frame. The water-swung hammock further includes a waterswinging pendular assembly coupled to the main body frame for receiving water movement and thereby imparting motive power to the swingable sheet.

Description

WATER-SWUNG HAMMOCK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of body supporting structures, and more particularly to a water-swung hammock for use on lakes, oceans and other water environments.

b. Description of Related Art

Hammock existence has been documented for roughly one thousand years with an estimated number of present day users at 100 million worldwide.

The structure of a hammock is defined as a swingable sheet of material suspended between two attachment points adapted to support a user for the purpose of swinging and relaxation. However, to swing back and forth in a hammock one must employ a measure of human or mechanical effort for motive power.

The present invention provides an apparatus that requires no measure of human or mechanical effort to swing back and forth, adding a new dimension of water responsiveness to a hammock thereby enhancing a hammock's relaxation characteristics to greatly increase the enjoyment obtained therefrom. As discovered with the first prototype, which can be viewed by logging onto www.waterhammocks.com, a water-swung hammock operates best with a sufficient amount of floatation means to stabilize the frame, while at the same time having a floatation means to provide a measure of impact absorption to achieve stabilization in more active waters.

In U.S. Pat. No. D 370,956 issued Jun. 18, 1996 a water hammock is presented as a sheet immersed in water. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,667 issued Feb. 16, 1993 a floating hammock is presented as a floating article immersed in water. These disclosures operate outside the fundamental characteristics of a free-swinging sheet known to define a hammock, likewise, they do not operate on water as aquatic hammocks or on-land as hammocks, nor are they interchangeable with other brands of hammocks, improve upon a hammock, or expand upon the existing hammock market.

A water-swung hammock can be used on-land if desired, is interchangeable with other brands of hammocks, improves upon a hammock and thereby expands upon the existing hammock market while at the same time defining a new class of hammocks. While personal floatation devices, floating articles and inflatable mattresses as in the aforementioned patents present interest in the hammock market, these floatation means are configured for use in a specific manner and do not relate to the present invention in any way.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Therefore, one main objective of the present invention is to provide a water-swung hammock that floats on a body of water.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a water-swung hammock that swings by the natural movement of water. It is a further object of the invention to provide a fully integrated, simple to use, easily assembled, reliable water-swung hammock capable of being carried and stored easily, and of being used in a variety of ways for relaxation, diving off and storage of items, and having effective, efficient, and reliable means for the attachment of components and auxiliary equipment. Attachment of components and auxiliary equipment may include without limitation, adaptable shade canopies, gas or electric powered engines, sails or kites, utility compartment/s, secured attachments for towing and tying off, straps for towing and tying off, a ladder, an anchor and line, a pillow rest, a cushioned swingable sheet, a cushioned staging platform, non-slip decking for a staging platform, foot straps for a staging platform, removable staging platform, interchangeable hammocks with or without spreader bars, smaller water-swung hammocks for juniors, single seated water-swung hammocks or larger sized water-swung hammocks for more lounging space, frame members to permit shortening and lengthening of length and width main body frame and supports, anti-roll lines for a swingable sheet, additional floatation, a pulley system to lower a water-swung hammock without a staging platform into the water for cooling off, climbing off, climbing on and raising the hammock.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a system in an affordable, cost-effective form.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a system in an easily dismantled, easily stored and transportable form. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a system with effective, efficient and reliable attachments for components and auxiliary equipment, which are neither too flexible nor too inflexible.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a detachable frame for a water-swung hammock which is durable, effective, efficient and may be quickly, easily, and reliably assembled or broken down for storage.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a swingable sheet for a detachable frame for a water-swung hammock which is durable, effective, efficient and may be quickly, easily, and reliably assembled or broken down for storage. It is a further object of the invention to provide a staging platform of non- skid material for a detachable frame for a water-swung hammock which are durable, effective, efficient and may be quickly, easily, and reliably assembled or broken down for storage.

It is a further object of the invention to provide leg supports for a detachable frame for a water-swung-hammock which are durable, effective, efficient and may be quickly, easily, and reliably assembled or broken down for storage.

It is a further object of the invention to provide inflatable supports for a water-swung hammock which are durable, effective, efficient and may be quickly, easily, and reliably assembled or broken down for storage.

It is a further object of the invention to provide floatable supports attachments, staging platform attachments, leg support attachments, frame support attachments, swingable suspension attachments, water-swingable attachments and swingable sheet attachments for a water-swung hammock which are durable, effective, efficient and may be quickly, easily, and reliably assembled or broken down for storage. It is a further object of the invention to provide a water-swung hammock and components for a water-swung hammock, which can be assembled and dismantled quickly, with a minimum of tools, or without any tools.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a water-swung hammock which can be used or adapted for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to: a swimming platform, a flotation device, a tow-float, or a "boat" or "water" trailer for transporting equipment or supplies.

It is a further object of the invention to provide floatable supports, leg supports, frame supports and staging platform and swingable sheet of a water- swung hammock of sufficient width or beam to allow stable operation. It is another object of the present invention to provide a water-swung hammock for use in cold and hot, rough and calm weather environments.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water-swung hammock adapted for use on-land.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water-swung hammock for staying dry and optionally as a platform for getting wet.

These and such other objects of the invention as will become evident from the disclosure below are met by the invention disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention achieves the aforementioned exemplary objects by providing a water-swung hammock being an aquatic relaxation apparatus and including a floatable body comprising a sled-shaped hull design. The water-swung hammock may include a floatable body for supporting a main body frame. The floatable body may include a generally flat central portion and raised ends so as to form a sled that is capable of supporting a user, a swingable sheet for supporting the user and including a support for swingable suspension of the swingable sheet relative to the main body frame, and a water-swinging pendular assembly coupled to the main body frame for receiving water movement and thereby imparting motive power to the swingable sheet of the water-swung hammock. The floatable body may include at least one support for securing the main body frame to the floatable body. The main body frame may be disposed within the floatable body. The bottom of the floatable body may include a ridge for assisting with directional travel of the water-swung hammock. A fin may be detachably coupled to a bottom of the floatable body for assisting with directional travel of the water-swung hammock. The main body frame may include a plurality of elongated members and formed members, the formed members coupling the elongated members to form the main body frame. The swingable sheet may be coupled to a pair of rigid elongated members at respective opposite ends thereof, the elongated members are adjustably attachable with the swingable sheet to maintain the swingable sheet in an open shape. The water-swinging pendular assembly may include a pair of adjustable cords attachable at first ends thereof to the main body frame and at second ends thereof to the swingable sheet. The main body frame may be formed of a one-piece structure.

The water-swung hammock may also include a floatable body for supporting a main body frame. The floatable body may include a generally flat central portion and raised ends so as to form a sled that is capable of supporting a user and wherein the main body frame comprises an overhead bar extending from a first end of the floatable body to a second end of the floatable body, a swingable sheet for supporting the user and including a support for swingable suspension of the swingable sheet relative to the main body frame, and a water-swinging pendular assembly coupled to the main body frame for receiving water movement and thereby imparting motive power to the swingable sheet of the water-swung hammock. For the water-swung hammock described above, the floatable body may include at least one support for securing the main body frame to the floatable body. A bottom of the floatable body may include a ridge for assisting with directional travel of the water-swung hammock. A fin may be detachably coupled to a bottom of the floatable body for assisting with directional travel of the water-swung hammock. The water- swinging pendular assembly may include adjustable cords attachable at first end thereof to the main body frame and at second end thereof to the swingable sheet. The swingable sheet may be coupled to an elongated member and the elongated member may be coupled to the pendular assembly. The swingable sheet may be adjustably attachable to the elongated member to maintain the swingable sheet in an open shape.

The invention yet further provides a water-swung hammock including a floatable body including a main body frame, a swingable sheet for supporting a user, the swingable sheet being pivotally suspended relative to the main body frame, and a pendular assembly coupled to the main body frame and to the swingable sheet for receiving water movement and thereby imparting motive power to the swingable sheet. The main body frame may be coupled to the floatable body. The main body frame may be integrally formed with the floatable body. The floatable body may include a flat central portion and raised end portions so as to form a sled.

These and additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention including the floatable bodies; FIG. 2 is an elevated view of the water-swung hammock of Fig. 1 , including the floatable bodies;

FIGS. 3 and 4 is a fragmented view of the water-swung hammock of Fig. 1 , including end portions of main body frame and leg supports; FIG. 5 is a fragmented view of the water-swung hammock of Fig. 1 , including a rigid elongated member and means for receiving the member into end portions of swingable sheet;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the water-swung hammock of Fig. 1 , including swingable sheet, swingable suspension, extensions and means for stretching and securing the shape of the swingable sheet;

FIG. 7 is a closer perspective view of the water-swung hammock of Fig. 1 , including the swingable sheet, the rigid elongated member, means for attachment from rigid elongated member to the swingable suspension, cord and means for attachment of the cord; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the water-swung hammock of Fig. 1 , including the attachment member affixed to the floatable body and means for attachment from the floatable body to the leg support members;

FIG. 9 is a fragmented view of the water-swung hammock of Fig. 1 , including main body frame, extension members, spaced joint locations and means for attachment of the main body frame;

FIG. 10 is a fragmented view of the water-swung hammock of Fig. 1 , including a mid-section of a main body frame, staging platform panels and means for attachment of same;

FIG. 11 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention including a main body frame integrally formed with a floatable body structure;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the water-swung hammock of Fig. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is an overview of a water-swung hammock kayak according to the present invention; FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate tripod frame end-pieces, including tripod caps;

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate inflatable tubes with custom center formations to receive canoe ends, securing straps, and securing rope; FIG. 18 is a side view of water-swung hammock kayak;

FIG. 19 is an overview of bridle configuration over kayak ends;

FIG. 20 is one bridle configuration for kayak end;

FIGS. 21-22 are an alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, illustrating perspective views of the floating body as a sledshaped hull design with directional ridges on the underside and/or detachable fins for lateral resistance, should a kite or sail be used to power the water-swung hammock, the sled design can be made as a soft inflatable or from rigid material; FIGS. 23-25 are yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, illustrating a sled-shaped hull design with an alternative overhead frame design used with a water-swung hammock bed or multiple water-swung hammock swings, and/or seats;

FIGS. 26-27 are yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, illustrating two perspective views of a sled-shaped hull design with the frame built into the floating body;

FIG. 28 is yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, illustrating the sled-shaped hull design with alternative frame design built into the floating body; FIGS. 29-30 are yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, illustrating perspective views of an all-in-one inflatable water-swung hammock, including inflatable cross section supports placed perpendicular and to the inside of the floating body;

FIGS. 31-32 are yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, illustrating an all-in-one foam- encased rigid frame water-swung hammock, wherein inflatable cross section supports placed perpendicular and to the inside of the floating body may be used;

FIGS. 33-35 are yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, illustrating a circular floating body and frame design for water-swung hammock swings and seats, the swings and seats may be single, double, or multiple point attachments to the frame, the frame may be inflatable or rigid, singular post frame support, or multiple post frame support;

FIG. 36 is yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, illustrating a circular floating body, frame design, water-swung hammock seat, complete with an optional shade umbrella; and

FIG. 37 is yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, illustrating an overview of a circular oversized water-swung hammock platform that includes a large inflatable tube, including a rigid hammock frame, a water trampoline-like platform supported by a rigid circular outer frame that secures the inner platform in place, and includes a small inflatable tube footrest in the center of the platform for use by multiple people.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION-PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like and corresponding parts throughout the several views, Figs. 1-10 illustrate a water-swung hammock according to the present invention, generally designated 10, and Figs. 11-27 illustrate various additional embodiments of water-swung hammocks according to the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 1 , water-swung hammock 10 may generally include floatable body 11 adapted to support a main body frame 34 including leg supports 23 adapted to secure main body frame 34 to floatable body 11. A staging platform 16 may include brackets 30 or other known means for attachment of staging platform 16 to main body frame 34 for supporting a user. Water-swung hammock 10 may further include a swingable sheet 44 coupled to main body frame 34 for supporting a user and water-swinging pendular assembly 59 associated to main body frame 34 and adapted to receive water movement for imparting motive power to swingable sheet 44 of water-swung hammock 10. As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, swingable sheet 44 may be coupled to hock 29 by means of a chain or another such assembly 46 and ring 21 having extensions 36 of swingable suspension 56 coupled thereto. Referring to Fig. 1 , floatable body 11 may include a plurality of hollow support members having an inner periphery and an outer periphery. The outer periphery of the support members may include attachment members 12, and the inner periphery of the support members may define a hollow space therewithin. Floatable body 11 may further include air valves 47 or the like for inflating the hollow support members with air needed to float hammock 10 on a body of water.

As shown in Fig. 9, main body frame 34 may include a plurality of elongated members 55, formed members 68 and extension members 33 conjoined together to form main body frame 34. Members 55, 68 and 34 may be joined together by nut/bolt fasteners 35 or other means known in the art. As briefly discussed above and as shown in Fig. 1 , main body frame 34 may further include hooks 29 or the like extending from opposite ends thereof for receiving water-swinging pendular assembly 59 and thereby attaching swingable sheet 44 to frame 34.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, leg supports 23 may include a plurality of elongated members attached to outer portions of main body frame 34 by means of nut/bolt fasteners 24 or other known means. The elongated members may be positioned laterally on the outer periphery of the hollow support members and latched to attachment members 12.

As shown in Fig. 5, swingable sheet 44 may include a body supporting portion having means, such as the folded over sections illustrated in Fig. 5, for receiving a pair of rigid elongated members 62 at opposite ends. The elongated members may include means for adjustable attachment with corners of the body supporting portion to sustain an open shape. The elongated members may also include means for attachment to secure swingable suspension 56 including the three extensions 36 coupled to outermost points of swingable sheet 44.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 , water-swinging pendular assembly 59 may include a pair of adjustable cords having means for attachment at opposite ends thereof. The first ends of assembly 59 may detachably engage hooks 29 at opposite ends of main body frame 34. The second ends may be secured to ring 21 at opposite ends of the swingable suspension. Staging platform 16 may include a plurality of body supporting panels having means for attachment such as the elongated rods shown in Fig. 10 secured perpendicular to the mid-section of main body frame 34. Although only an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the scope of the present invention.

One such alternative embodiment may include a floatable body means adapted to support a swingable sheet horizontally associated to the floatable body means and including means for attachment adapted to support a user and water-swinging pendular means associated with the floatable body means and adapted to receive water movement for motive power for the water-swung hammock. Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, another such alternative embodiment of water-swung hammock 100 may include a floatable body 41 having an integrally formed frame therein such that when body 41 is inflated or formed otherwise, the frame therein forms a structure for mounting swingable sheet 44 thereon. Although it would be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that the embodiment of water-swung hammock 10 illustrated in Figs. 1-10 could indeed include an integrally formed frame as disclosed in Figs. 11 and 12, the embodiment of Figs. 11 and 12 has been disclosed herein for purposes of illustration only. Thus essentially, instead of including a separate frame structure such as main body frame 34 illustrated in Fig. 1 for water- swung hammock 10, water-swung hammock 100 may include an integrally formed frame structure such that swingable sheet 44 can be coupled to body 41 for supporting a user. As also discussed above for water-swung hammock 10, water-swung hammock 100 may include a water-swinging pendular assembly 42 (similar to assembly 59) associated to body 41 and adapted to receive water movement for imparting motive power to swingable sheet 44 of water-swung hammock 100. Water-swung hammock 100 may further include inflatable or otherwise formed floatable members 43 provided adjacent lateral sections 45 of body 41 for maintaining body 41 in a predetermined configuration under the weight of a user.

Referring to Figs. 13-20, another such alternative embodiment of water- swung hammock 200 may include a water-swung hammock kayak that may generally include canoe 234 and floatable body 211 adapted to support canoe 234. In particular, Fig. 13 shows a top view of water swung hammock kayak 200, and Fig. 18 shows a side view of water swung hammock kayak 200. Referring now to Figs. 16-17, floatable body 211 may comprise an inflatable tube with custom center formations 202 configured to receive an end of canoe 234. Floatable body 211 may further include securing straps 204 to fasten canoe 234 to floatable body 211 using a buckle or other securing means conventional in the art. While two sets of securing straps are shown for each end of canoe 234, it is understood that any number of securing straps may be used for each end of canoe 234 and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. Figs. 14-15 illustrate frame end-pieces 208 that are provided for attachment of hammock 244 to canoe 234. Frame end-pieces 208 may comprise a tripod, including three legs 210 and tripod caps. Canoe 234 may include molded indentations for accommodation of tripod frame set-up. Frame end-pieces 208 may further include a hook 229. Hammock 244 may include a ring 221 at each end. Ring 221 may be coupled to a chain or other such assembly 246. Accordingly, hammock 244 may be coupled to hook frame end- piece 208 by means of the chain or other such assembly 246. Floatable body 211 may further include a securing rope 206 to secure floatable body 211 to frame end-pieces 208. If canoe 234 does not include molded indentations for tripod frame set-up, a bridle system 212 may also be used. Fig. 19 is an overview of a bridle configuration 212 disposed over an end of canoe 234. Referring now to Fig. 20, a bridle configuration 212 for the end of canoe 234 is illustrated. Bridle 212 includes a set of straps configured to retain bridle 212 on the end of canoe 234, openings for receipt of frame end-pieces 208, and ropes for securing frame end-pieces 208 to bridle 212.

Referring to Figs. 21-28, another such alternative embodiment of water- swung hammock 300 is provided that may include a floatable body 311 adapted to support a main body frame 334. Floatable body 311 may comprise a sled-shaped hull design, with a generally flat central portion 302 and raised portions 304 at each end, comprising the sled-shape. Floatable body 311 comprises a single body, such that central portion 302 and raised portions 304 are integral with each other. Floatable body 311 may comprise a soft, inflatable material, or a rigid material, such as plastic. Referring now to Fig. 22, floatable body 311 may include a plurality of directional ridges 306 or fins 308 on the underside of floatable body 311. Fins 308 may be detachable, as illustrated in Fig. 22. Fasteners, such as brackets or screws, or other known means of attachment may be used to detachably couple fins 308 to the underside of floatable body 311. Ridges 306 and fins 308 may be provided for lateral resistance, should a kite or sail be used to power the water-swung hammock. While three directional ridges 306 and two detachable fins 308 are illustrated in Fig. 22, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that any number of directional ridges and/or detachable fins may be used in connection with the present invention and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Water-swung hammock 300 may generally include a main body frame 334 that is provided for attachment of a hammock. Referring to Fig. 21 , in an exemplary embodiment, main body frame 334 may comprise elongated portions 335 that are disposed upon flat central portion 302 of floatable body 311. Main body frame 334 may further comprise rounded end portions 336 to which a hook may be attached, the hook configured for coupling a hammock to main body frame 334. The hammock may be detachably coupled to the hook by means of a chain or another such assembly. The assembly may comprise a pendular assembly including a pair of adjustable cords attachable at first ends to the main body frame and at the second ends to the hammock. The hammock may comprise a swingable sheet that is coupled to a pair of rigid elongated members at respective opposite ends thereof. The elongated members are adjustably attachable with the swingable sheet to maintain the swingable sheet in an open shape. A support, such as brackets, or other known means for attachment, may be used for coupling main body frame 334 to floatable body 311.

Referring now to Fig. 23 in another exemplary embodiment of water- swung hammock 300, main body frame 337 may comprise elongated portions 335 that are disposed upon flat central portion 302 of floatable body 311 as well as V-shaped end portions 338 connected thereto. An overhead bar 339 may extend across between the tips of V-shaped end portion 338 at the first and second ends of floatable body 311. Overhead bar 339 may be used in connection with a water-swung hammock bed, at least one water-swung hammock swing, or at least one water-swung hammock seat. Fig. 24 illustrates a water-swung hammock swing 312. Water-swung hammock swing 312 may include a chain or other assembly 346. Assembly 346 may be detachably coupled at a first end to overhead bar 339 and secured at a second end to ring 321. A rope 322 may be threaded through ring 321. A first end of rope 321 may be fastened near a first end of rod 323, and a second end of rope 321 may be fastened near a second of rod 323. A swingable sheet 344 may be suspended from rod 323 by a plurality of support ropes 324. Although four support ropes 324 are illustrated and attached near the ends of rod 323, it should be understood that any number of support ropes 324 may be used and may be attached to any portion of rod 323 and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. Fig.25 illustrates a water-swung hammock seat 326. Seat 326 is similarly configured with respect to swing 312, but includes the attachment of support ropes 324 along the edges of a rectangular shaped swingable sheet 344 as illustrated in Fig. 25. Referring now to Fig. 26, another exemplary embodiment of water- swung hammock 300 is illustrated. Water-swung hammock 300 may include a sled-shaped hull design for floatable body 311 with the frame 334 built into floatable body 311. Accordingly, each raised portion 304 of floatable body 311 includes a protrusion 350 that has a rounded end portion that is shaped like the rounded end portion 336 of main body frame 334. Frame 334 may be enclosed within floatable body 311. Protrusion 350 may be configured for attachment of a hammock as protrusion 350 may include a hook or ring or other conventional device for coupling a chain or other assembly of a hammock. Fig. 27 illustrates a side view of the exemplary embodiment of water-swung hammock 300 illustrated in Fig. 26.

Referring now to Fig. 28, another exemplary embodiment of water- swung hammock 300 is illustrated, including a sled-shaped hull design for floatable body 311 with the frame 334 built into floatable body 311. In this embodiment, frame 334 is completely enclosed by floatable body 311 , but the opening between rounded end portion 336 of main body frame 334 and the raised edge 304 of floatable body 311 is not encased, so there is an opening 352 within protrusion 350. Again, protrusion 350 may be configured for attachment of a hammock by including a hook, ring, or other conventional device for coupling a chain or other assembly of a hammock. The hook, ring, or other conventional device for coupling a chain or other assembly of a hammock to main body frame 334 may be coupled to the encased portion of main body frame 334 in any manner conventional in the art.

Figs. 29-30 illustrate yet another alternative embodiment of an all-in-one inflatable water-swung hammock 400. Water-swung hammock 400 includes a single floatable body 411 with elongated portions configured for floatation on water, and cross-section supports placed perpendicular to the inside of the elongated portions. The cross-section supports may be rounded in shape. A strap 402 or other conventional means for securing may be used to couple a ring 421 to the cross-section supports of floatable body 411. Ring 421 may also be coupled to a plurality of ropes 436 or other means of suspension for the suspension of swingable sheet 444. Although three ropes 436 are illustrated in Figs. 29-30, it is understood that any number of ropes 436 or other means for suspension could be used and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. Referring now to Fig. 31 , another exemplary embodiment of an all- in-one water-swung hammock 400 is provided. Water-swung hammock 400 may include a rigid frame 434 that includes elongated portions configured for floatation on water, and cross-section supports placed perpendicular and to the inside of the elongated portions. Referring now to Fig. 32, frame 434 may be encased in foam 404. Fig. 33 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock 500 according to the present invention. Water-swung hammock 500 may include a circular floatable body 511 and frame design 534. Frame design 534 may generally include three support legs 510 that are coupled to floatable body 511 at first ends and meet at the second ends, forming a tripod. Although three support legs 510 are illustrated in Fig. 33, it is understood that any number of support legs 510 may be used and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. Frame 534 may be inflatable or rigid., and may include singular post frame support or multiple post frame support. Frame 534 may be used to support water-swung hammock swings and seats 502, as illustrated in Figs. 34-35. Swings and seats 502 may be attached to frame 534 at a single point of attachment, as shown in Fig. 34, double point of attachment, as shown in Fig. 35, or other multiple points of attachment. Various securing straps and means of suspension may be utilized to secure swing or seat 502 to frame 534 of water-swung hammock 500. Swing or seat 502 may comprise swingable sheet 544 coupled to the means of suspension in a manner conventional in the art. Referring now to Fig. 36, water-swung hammock 500 may further include an optional shade umbrella 504 that may be coupled to frame 534.

FIG. 37 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a water-swung hammock platform 600 according to the present invention. Water-swung hammock platform 600 may be generally circular in shape and be oversized for use by multiple people. Water-swung hammock platform 600 may include a floatable body 611 , a frame 634, an inner platform 602, and a footrest 604. Floatable body 611 may be generally circular in shape and may be an inflatable tube. Frame 634 may be rigid, and may be configured so as to have two legs that are coupled to inner platform 602 by brackets or other conventional means at diametrically opposed locations on inner platform 602. Frame 634 may include ring 621 to which suspension means 659 may be coupled for suspension of a hammock 606. Inner platform 602 may comprise a water trampoline-like platform and may be supported by a rigid circular outer frame that secures inner platform 602 in place. Footrest 604 may be a small inflatable tube in the center of the platform 600 for use by multiple people. As described above, water-swung hammocks may include water-swung hammock swings and seats, water-swung hammock beds, and/or water-swung hammock platforms. The frames for water-swung hammocks may be rigid, semi-rigid, or inflatable, and the water-swung hammocks may be attached at one or more horizontal or vertical suspension points.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Patent ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A water-swung hammock comprising: a floatable body for supporting a main body frame, wherein said floatable body includes a generally flat central portion and raised ends so as to form a sled that is capable of supporting a user; a swingable sheet for supporting the user and including a support for swingable suspension of said swingable sheet relative to said main body frame; and a water-swinging pendular assembly coupled to said main body frame for receiving water movement and thereby imparting motive power to said swingable sheet of said water-swung hammock.

2. The water-swung hammock according to claim 1 , wherein said floatable body includes at least one support for securing said main body frame to said floatable body.

3. The water-swung hammock according to claim 1 , wherein said main body frame is disposed within said floatable body.

4. The water-swung hammock according to claim 1 , wherein a bottom of said floatable body includes a ridge for assisting with directional travel of said water-swung hammock.

5. The water-swung hammock according to claim 1 , wherein a fin is detachably coupled to a bottom of said floatable body for assisting with directional travel of said water-swung hammock.

6. The water-swung hammock according to claim 1 , wherein said main body frame includes a plurality of elongated members and formed members, said formed members coupling said elongated members to form said main body frame.

7. The water-swung hammock according to claim 1 , wherein said swingable sheet is coupled to a pair of rigid elongated members at respective opposite ends thereof, said elongated members are adjustably attachable with said swingable sheet to maintain said swingable sheet in an open shape.

8. The water-swung hammock according to claim 1 , wherein said water- swinging pendular assembly includes a pair of adjustable cords attachable at first ends thereof to said main body frame and at second ends thereof to said swingable sheet.

9. The water-swung hammock according to claim 1 , wherein said main body frame is formed of a one-piece structure.

10. A water-swung hammock comprising: a floatable body for supporting a main body frame, wherein said floatable body includes a generally flat central portion and raised ends so as to form a sled that is capable of supporting a user and wherein said main body frame comprises an overhead bar extending from a first end of said floatable body to a second end of said floatable body; a swingable sheet for supporting the user and including a support for swingable suspension of said swingable sheet relative to said main body frame; and a water-swinging pendular assembly coupled to said main body frame for receiving water movement and thereby imparting motive power to said swingable sheet of said water-swung hammock.

1 1 . A water-swung hammock according to claim 10, wherein said floatable body includes at least one support for securing said main body frame to said floatable body,

12. The water-swung hammock according to claim 10, wherein a bottom of said floatable body includes a ridge for assisting with directional travel of said water-swung hammock.

13. The water-swung hammock according to claim 10, wherein a fin is detachably coupled to a bottom of said floatable body for assisting with directional travel of said water-swung hammock.

14. The water-swung hammock according to claim 10, wherein said water-swinging pendular assembly includes adjustable cords attachable at first end thereof to said main body frame and at second end thereof to said swingable sheet.

15. The water-swung hammock according to claim 10, wherein said swingable sheet is coupled to an elongated member and said elongated member is coupled to said pendular assembly.

16. The water-swung hammock according to claim 15, wherein said swingable sheet is adjustably attachable to said elongated member to maintain said swingable sheet in an open shape.

17. A water-swung hammock comprising: a floatable body including a main body frame; a swingable sheet for supporting a user, said swingable sheet being pivotally suspended relative to said main body frame; and a pendular assembly coupled to said main body frame and to said swingable sheet for receiving water movement and thereby imparting motive power to said swingable sheet.

18. The water-swung hammock according to claim 17, wherein said main body frame is coupled to said floatable body.

19. The water-swung hammock according to claim 17, wherein said main body frame is integrally formed with said floatable body.

20. The water-swung hammock according to claim 17, wherein said floatable body includes a flat central portion and raised end portions so as to form a sled.