HAMMOCK

Abstract

 A hammock comprising an upper part and a lower part is disclosed. The upper and lower part are connected together in such a manner that they form a layer comprising a plurality of enclosures. Each enclosure comprises a plurality of support members. The plurality of support members are arranged and configured to freely move within the enclosures. The support members are rigid structures.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hammock which comprises an array of support members. The invention also relates to the use of such hammock.

Prior art

[0002] It is known that stimulating the kinesthetic sense by for instance using body supporting structures such as blankets may provide benefits for the user such as providing ease of anxiety. Usages of such supporting structures may, however, leave a body part which rests thereon suffering from reduced blood supply.

[0003] Thus, there is a need for an alternative body supporting structure which does not decrease the blood supply to any body part. There is also a need for a body supporting structure which allows for stimulation of additional senses at the same time.

Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention can be achieved by a hammock as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0005] The hammock according to the invention is a hammock comprising an upper layer and a lower layer, wherein the upper and lower layer are connected in such a manner that they form a plurality of enclosures, wherein each enclosure comprises a plurality of support members, wherein the plurality of support members are arranged and configured to freely move within the enclosures, wherein the support members are configured to act as pressure points when a user is sitting or lying on the hammock.

[0006] By the term enclosure is meant a structure, wherein the inside of the structure is fully isolated. Hereby, it is ensured that the support members that are comprised in the enclosure cannot move outside their respective enclosure.

[0007] By the term "freely move" is meant that the support members can be moved in all non-restricted directions, e.g. if the enclosure is narrow or there is a large amount of support members within an enclosure, the support member cannot move freely in all or any directions.

[0008] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises four or more enclosures.

[0009] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises five or more enclosures.

[0010] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises six or more enclosures.

[0011] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises eight or more enclosures.

[0012] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises ten or more enclosures.

[0013] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises fifteen or more enclosures.

[0014] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises twenty or more enclosures.

[0015] In one embodiment, each enclosure is formed as a tubular structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, each enclosure is formed as a tubular structure having a uniform cross-sectional area.

[0017] In one embodiment, each enclosure is cylindrical.

[0018] In one embodiment, each enclosure is formed to fit the geometry of the "support members".

[0019] By the term "acts as a pressure point" is meant that the support members are placed evenly spaced and is of a sufficient hardness and size for the user feel a force (pressure) when lying or sitting on the hammock.

[0020] Hereby, the support members will provide a pressure towards the user positioned in the hammock.

[0021] Accordingly, a user using the hammock is both stimulated by the individual body support members and at the same time receives stimuli of his or her vestibular senses.

[0022] In this way vestibular, proprioceptive and kinaesthetic sensory systems are activated at the same time, and at a time where the user is allowed to relax.

[0023] In order to properly stimulate the kinaesthetic sensory systems, it is important that the support members are chosen such that sufficient but not unpleasant pressure points are created.

[0024] The invention allows for easy control of these factors by having enclosures such that support members of a specific hardness and size can be chosen and thereby the hammock can be quickly constructed for a variety of different users.

[0025] In one embodiment, the support members are rigid in such a manner that under intended loading they will not be compressed to more than half of their diameter in a non-compressed configuration/state.

[0026] Hereby, it possible to ensure that even if a heavier user operates the hammock, a sufficient pressure will still be applied.

[0027] In one embodiment, the upper and lower parts are connected by stitches.

[0028] In one embodiment, the upper and lower parts are connected by gluing.

[0029] In one embodiment, the upper and lower parts are connected by rivets.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connection comprises gluing.

[0031] In one embodiment, the connection comprises rivets.

[0032] In one embodiment, the body support element comprises two or more points of suspension adapted to suspend the support element.

[0033] In one embodiment, the at least one layer comprises singular support members that are confined in groups of one, two or more support members within an enclosure.

[0034] In one embodiment, the at least one layer comprises support members that are confined in groups of one, two or more support members within a tubular flexible enclosure.

[0035] In one embodiment, the support members cover an area equal to or less than 90%of the area of their enclosure.

[0036] In one embodiment, the support members cover an area equal to or less than 80% of the area of their enclosure.

[0037] In one embodiment, the support members cover an area equal to or less than 70% of the area of their enclosure.

[0038] In one embodiment, the support members cover an area equal to or less than 60% of the area of their enclosure.

[0039] In one embodiment, the support members cover an area equal to or less than 50% of the area of their enclosure.

[0040] In one embodiment, the support members cover an area equal to or less than 40% of the area of their enclosure.

[0041] In one embodiment, the support members cover an area equal to or less than 30% of the area of their enclosure.

[0042] In one embodiment, the support members cover an area equal to or less than 20% of the area of their enclosure.

[0043] In one embodiment, the support members cover an area equal to or less than 10% of the area of their enclosure.

[0044] In one embodiment, the support members make up (or amount to) a volume equal to or less than 90% of the volume of their enclosure.

[0045] In one embodiment, the support members make up (or amount to) a volume equal to or less than 80% of the volume of their enclosure.

[0046] In one embodiment, the support members make up (or amount to) a volume equal to or less than 70% of the volume of their enclosure.

[0047] In one embodiment, the support members make up (or amount to) a volume equal to or less than 60% of the volume of their enclosure.

[0048] In one embodiment, the support members make up (or amount to) a volume equal to or less than 50% of the volume of their enclosure.

[0049] In one embodiment, the support members make up (or amount to) a volume equal to or less than 40% of the volume of their enclosure.

[0050] In one embodiment, the support members make up (or amount to) a volume equal to or less than 30% of the volume of their enclosure.

[0051] In one embodiment, the support members are integrated in or attached to a textile.

[0052] In one embodiment, the textile is a woven or braided sheet-formed element.

[0053] In one embodiment, the textile is provided from flexible threads or filaments.

[0054] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises one or more points of suspension.

[0055] In one embodiment, the one or more points of suspension are formed by a suspension structure in the form of a hook.

[0056] In one embodiment, the one or more points of suspension are formed by a suspension structure in the form of an attachment eye.

[0057] In one embodiment, the one or more points of suspension are formed by a suspension structure in the form of a string.

[0058] In one embodiment, the one or more points of suspension are formed by a suspension structure in the form of a wire.

[0059] In one embodiment, the hammock is shaped as a rectangle.

[0060] In one embodiment, the hammock is shaped as a rounded rectangle.

[0061] In one embodiment, the hammock is shaped as an oval structure.

[0062] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises points of suspension provided in opposing ends of the body support element.

[0063] In one embodiment, the hammock is circular.

[0064] In one embodiment, several points of suspension are provided in each opposing ends of the hammock.

[0065] In one embodiment, the hammock is shaped as a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, wherein the points of suspension are provided in each corner of the hammock.

[0066] In one embodiment, the singular support members are shaped with smooth surfaces.

[0067] In one embodiment, the singular support members are shaped with rounded surfaces.

[0068] In one embodiment, the singular support members are equally sized.

[0069] By the term "equally sized" is meant that the standard deviation of the size (e.g. the diameter or length) of the singular support members is smaller than a predefined percentage of the mean size.

[0070] In one embodiment, the standard deviation of the size (e.g. the diameter or length) of the singular support members is smaller than half the mean size of the singular support members.

[0071] In one embodiment, the standard deviation of the size (e.g. the diameter or length) of the singular support members is smaller than a third of the mean size of the singular support members.

[0072] In one embodiment, the standard deviation of the size (e.g. the diameter or length) of the singular support members is smaller than a quarter of the mean size of the singular support members.

[0073] In one embodiment, the support members have spherical surfaces.

[0074] In one embodiment, the support members are made in a material that does not absorb moist or water.

[0075] In one embodiment, the support members are made in a material provided with holes allowing water to pass through the singular support members.

[0076] In one embodiment, the support members are made in a water-resistant material.

[0077] In one embodiment, the support members are made from an organic substance.

[0078] In one embodiment, the support members are made from metal.

[0079] In one embodiment, the support members are made from polymer.

[0080] In one embodiment, the support members are made from a rubbery material.

[0081] In one embodiment, the support members are made from or made from combinations of any of the following: an organic substance, metal, polymer or a rubbery material.

[0082] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises a fastening means.

[0083] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises a fastening means formed as a zip fastener.

[0084] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises a fastening means formed as one half of a zip fastener.

[0085] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises a fastening means formed as a number of buttons.

[0086] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises a central portion and two lateral portions, wherein support members are only provided in the central portion, wherein the points of suspension adapted to suspend the support element are provided in the lateral portions.

[0087] In one embodiment, the lateral portions are detachably attached to the central portion.

[0088] In one embodiment, the lateral portions are permanently attached to the central portion.

[0089] In one embodiment, the lateral portions are stitched onto the central portion.

[0090] It may be an advantage that during use, the hammock is suspended in a way which allows at least a pendulum like swinging motion of the hammock. Hereby, it is possible to stimulate the vestibular sense and the tactile sense.

[0091] In one embodiment, the support members are arranged in at least one layer and are arranged in a way which allows the singular support members a degree of movement with respect to each other within the at least one layer and a degree of movement transversely to a layer plane.

[0092] In one embodiment, the layer comprises a double array or at least locally a two-dimensional array of support members, which are interconnected in a way which allows some degree of movement between individual support members.

[0093] By suspending the support element, a user of the support element may simultaneously be stimulated by the impact of the singular support members on the supported body part, and by adding motion to the suspended part receive stimulation of the vestibula sense. In this way vestibular, proprioceptive and kinaesthetic sensory systems are activated at the same time, and at a time where the user is allowed to relax.

[0094] The support members are allowed to move in some measure with respect to each other. Accordingly, the body support element may be formed to fit the body part which it supports. This means that the body support element adapts to the shape of the body part placed in it. At the same time, a multitude of the support elements cooperate in supporting the body part.

[0095] In one embodiment, a two-dimensional array of singular support members is arranged in the support element to form the at least one layer. Only when resting on a flat surface, the two-dimensional array shall be truly two-dimensional, but as soon as it is suspended and carries the weight of a body, or body part, it shall, due to the movability between individual support members resume a three-dimensional shape which in some measure resembles the shape of the body or body part which it supports.

[0096] In one embodiment, the at least one layer comprises support members which are confined in groups of two, three or more support elements within a tubular flexible structure, such as a tube made from woven or similarly flexible material.

[0097] Such tubular flexible structures will allow the support members to move with respect to each other due to the flexibility of the material used for the tubular flexible structure and also, if a multitude of support members are confined in one tube, they may budge with respect to each other therein. Tubes may be sewed together to form a support element which is able to work as a flexible mattress and provide support for the entire body of an individual.

[0098] When two or more support elements are within the same tubular flexible structure, it may be preferred that any such two support elements are restricted from passing by each other within the tubular structure.

[0099] The tubular structure may have a diameter measure which is only slightly bigger such as 10% or 20% bigger than an average cross measure or diameter of the singular support elements therein, and further these singular support elements are to be uniformly shaped.

[0100] In one embodiment, the support members are integrated in or attached to a woven or braided sheet-formed element provided from flexible threads or filaments.

[0101] In this way, the support members may be allowed to move with respect to each other in order that the support member shall be able to support a human body without causing high stresses at any particular point. Each support member may be attached to a filament, such as by having the filament running through a hole in the support member, or by having the filament tightly wound around the support member in a furrow provided for this particular purpose.

[0102] In one embodiment, support members are provided like pearls on a string.

[0103] In one embodiment, each individual support member is attached to a short string of its own, wherein the string then again fastens to a woven or braided surface structure.

[0104] In one embodiment, the at least two points of suspension are adapted for suspension of the body support element from a string or wire.

[0105] The strings or wires shall at far ends thereof be attached to fixed constructions such as building parts, trees, poles or racks or combinations thereof. This attachment is made in a way which allows the body support element, with an occupant such as a person, to swing freely with-out touching a floor or other building structures.

[0106] The two suspension points may be attached to each their string, whereby these strings are fastened at building parts in opposed horizontal directions.

[0107] The strings may be supported from an overhead common support member to form a sack or chair-like structure. And such a construction will allow the sack or chair to perform more intricate motions, such as figure 8 motions or motions forming a circle in the horizontal plane.

[0108] In an embodiment, the hammock has an elongate, rectangular shape and comprises points of suspension at least in each corner of the elongate rectangular shape.

[0109] In one embodiment, the support members are equally sized and shaped with smooth and rounded surfaces, preferably spherical surfaces. This allows for the support members to easily be mass produced.

[0110] In one embodiment, the support members are provided in a material offering moist absorbing or moist transporting properties. This allows for use of densely packed support members, which even in such a case shall be able to cope with sweat, which inevitable shall be produced by the body of a user, and which therefore must be transported away from the support element.

[0111] In one embodiment, the support members are made in a material which is water resistant. This allows for the entire hammock to be washed.

[0112] In one embodiment, the support members of the hammock are made from an organic substance or are made from polymer and/or rubbery materials or made from combinations of any of these materials. Hereby it is possible to provide a wide range of beneficial properties, such as resilience, flexibility, ease of manufacture, desirable surface structuring, specific heat capacity measures, among others.

[0113] The hammock may be made with an outer shell-like or soft surface layer and an inside stuffing. The shell-like surface may be crafted by sewing pieces of cloth, leather or artificial leather together in the same manner as a football is crafted, or the shell could be crafted by knitting, crocheting, bobbin lacing or similar technique using threads in case a softer outer shell is desired.

[0114] The inside stuffing used with such an outer shell may be made of an inflatable element or any other stuffing such as felt, excelsior, foam rubber, horsehair, dried seaweed, hemp, cotton, flax or combinations of two or more such stuffing elements known in connection with furniture upholstery. By choosing among such known substances and the degree of packing the material a desired hardness is easy to obtain. Stuffing comprising sand, clay, pees or other bead like elements may also be used.

[0115] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises a fastening means, such as the one half of a zip. This allows for the support element to be zipped onto an existing hammock, which in such a case shall comprise the other half of the zip. Button and buttonholes are also possible fastening elements which are usable as an alternative to the zip.

[0116] In a further aspect of the invention, use of a body support element is provided for, whereby the body support element is installed in a hammock, such that a user within the hammock shall have at least a body part supported by the body support element. This aspect of the invention shall ensure that a user is both stimulated by the individual body support members and at the same time receives stimuli of his or her vestibular senses.

[0117] In one embodiment, the hammock is suspended in a way which allows at least a pendulum like swinging motion of the hammock.

[0118] In one embodiment, the support members are integrated in or attached to a textile.

[0119] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises a body support element that is shaped as a rectangle, a rounded rectangle or an oval structure and comprises means of suspension provided in opposing ends of the hammock.

[0120] In one embodiment, the support members are shaped with smooth and rounded surfaces.

[0121] In one embodiment, the support members are made in either

• a material that does not absorb moist or water or
• a material provided with holes allowing water to pass through the support members.

[0122] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises a fastening means such as a zip fastener and/or the one half of a zip fastener and/or a number of buttons.

[0123] In one embodiment, the hammock comprises a central portion and two lateral portions, wherein the support members are only provided in the central portion, wherein the means of suspension are provided in the lateral portions.

Description of the Drawings

[0124] The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1

is a schematic 3D view of a part of a support element according to the invention;

Fig. 2

shows a plane view of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3

shows a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4

shows two further variations of the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5

discloses a further variant of the invention according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

discloses possible ways of ensuring the limited movability of individual support members;

Fig. 7

illustrates how individual support members may move within a restricted area;

Fig. 8

is an illustration of a support element according to the invention for the support of a full human body;

Fig. 9

is an illustration of the possible shaping of individual support members;

Fig. 10

is an overview of differently suspended hammocks which are all well suited for the employment of the invention;

Fig. 11A

shows a cross-sectional view of a hammock according to the invention;

Fig. 11B

shows a cross-sectional view of a hammock according to the invention;

Fig. 12

shows a hammock with a body support element attached thereto along a long side thereof;

Fig. 13

shows a hammock as shown in Fig. 12, wherein body supports are attached thereto along two opposed long sides,

Fig. 14

shows a hammock wherein a body support is attached to two short sides thereof;

Fig. 15

shows a hammock wherein a rolled-up body support is shown in attachment to a short side of the hammock;

Fig. 16

shows a hammock with a body support element according to the invention shown in sectional view below a user and

Fig. 17

shows a side view of a hammock according to the invention;

Fig. 18A

shows the singular support structure in a non-compressed configuration;

Fig. 18B

shows the singular support structure in a compressed configuration;

Fig. 19A

shows a prior art hammock;

Fig. 19B

shows a hammock according to the invention and

Fig. 20

shows the support members acting as pressure points.

Detailed description of the invention

[0125] Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a schematic 3D view of a part of a hammock according to the invention is illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0126] An array of singular support members 2 is disclosed which together constitutes body support element of the hammock 4. The support members 2 are arranged in a layer 6 and are allowed a degree of movement with respect to each other, both within the layer plane and sideways with respect to each other.

[0127] A degree of freedom which allows for such a limited movement between the individual support members 2 may be achieved in many ways, and in the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 1, the singular support members 2 are added to tubular enclosures 10 which have a square section relative to their length axis. A layer 6 is formed by the tubular enclosures 10. In this case, the layer thus constitutes a double array, or two-dimensional array of interconnected support members 2.

[0128] As the tubular enclosures 10 are made from flexible, woven or similarly crafted material, the plane provided by the interconnected tubular enclosures will also be flexible, which is elucidated in the figure.

[0129] Fig. 2 illustrates a plane view of a further embodiment of the invention. Here the singular body support members 2 are provided one by one in each their flexible enclosure 10. The enclosures 10 may be made from woven or similarly crafted cloth. As seen, some flexibility will exist within the layer 6.

[0130] In Fig. 3 the individual support members 2 are each attached to flexible strings or threads 26 forming a grid-like structure, and a singular support member 2 is provided at each node of the grid-like structure. In each node, a vertical and a horizontal thread 26 crosses each other, and may here be attached to each other.

[0131] A support member 2 is thus attached to each node in a known manner, such as by comprising two half-spheres which are attached to each other from each their side around the node.

[0132] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention and here the singular support members 2 are provided in groups of 3 or 6 in each of a range of interconnected tubular enclosures 10.

[0133] In the left-hand side of Fig. 4, groups of 6 individual support members are provided within each tubular enclosure 10.

[0134] In the right-hand side of Fig. 6, groups of 3 individual support members are provided within each tubular enclosure.

[0135] As seen in both sides of Fig. 4, some space is left between individual support members 2, and they thus are allowed freedom to move some distance with respect to each other.

[0136] When comparing Fig. 4 and Fig. 2, it is observed that more space for movement is provided, when more individual support members 2 are provided in each tubular enclosure 10, provided that the spacing between individual members remains unchanged.

[0137] Fig. 5 discloses a further variant of the invention according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, wherein the tube-like enclosures 10 with unlike numbers of individual support members 2 are attached to each other to form a rectangular element. In Fig. 5, the one half of a zip 24 is indicated along one side of body support element of the hammock 4.

[0138] Hereby, a bigger hammock can be produced by connecting two elements with zips 24 (not shown).

[0139] Fig. 6 discloses possible ways of ensuring the limited movability of individual support members 2, and in the left-hand side, an individual support member 2 is attached to a string of its own 28. The string 28 again is attached to a structure such as a mat or a cloth element 30 or another string.

[0140] Fig. 6 on the right-hand side illustrates how individual support members 2 may move within a restricted area. Here the individual support members are attached to one and the same through-going string 32. The through-going string 32 runs through a number of singular support members 2 and each such member 2 may then be shifted along the length of the through-going string 32, as indicated by arrows 33 below the support members 2.

[0141] Fig. 7 is an illustration of a tube-like enclosure which is shown in a curved shape. Here the arrow 33 discloses how gravity may shift the singular support member 2 in a downward direction.

[0142] Fig. 8 is an illustration of a support element according to the invention for the support of the body of a full-grown person, wherein the singular support members 2 are regularly attached to a layer of cloth or the like. The resulting element may be cut to a desired shape such as a rounded shape (the right-hand side) or an oblong shape with 6 straight sides.

[0143] Fig. 9 is an illustration of the possible shaping of individual support members 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5. 2.1 illustrates a spherical shape, and oval shapes are illustrated at 2.2 and 2.3 and a more pointed shape is illustrated at 2.4. 2.5 illustrates a circular cylindrical shape.

[0144] Body support element of a hammock 4 may be made from an assembly of only one of these shapes, or two or more different shapes may be used and mixed within the main body of the hammock.

[0145] Fig. 10 is an overview of differently suspended hammocks 16. Some of the hammocks 16 comprise a suspension rod element 18. The point of suspension of the hammocks 16 are indicated.

[0146] One of the hammocks 16 comprises a central portion 36 and two lateral portions 38 attached to opposing ends of the central portion 36.

[0147] The central portion constitutes body support element of the hammock 4.

[0148] Fig. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of a hammock 16 having two joined suspension points 8 which employs the invention. When a hammock 16 is suspended in this manner, it may perform more intricate movements, such as rotation around a vertical axis or circular or oval revolutions in the horizontal plane or combinations of such movements.

[0149] Fig. 11B illustrates a cross-sectional view of another hammock 16 according to the invention. The hammock 16 comprises a single suspension point 8.

[0150] In Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B the singular support members 2 and the main body of the hammock 4 are indicated.

[0151] Fig. 12 shows a hammock 16 with an additional element 40 attached thereto along a long side thereof, such that the additional element 40 may be arranged inside of the hammock 16.

[0152] The additional element can be an element similar to body support element of the hammock 4.

[0153] In one embodiment, the additional element is an element similar to body support element of the hammock 4 that comprises support elements with a different diameter and a different rigidness, compared to body support element of the hammock 4. Here additional comfort can be obtained.

[0154] In one embodiment, the additional element is a sheet that has sweat absorbing properties, such that increased comfort is obtained.

[0155] The additional element 40 may be zipped or buttoned onto the hammock 16 along a side thereof.

[0156] Fig. 13 discloses a hammock as shown in Fig. 12, wherein additional elements 40 are attached thereto along two opposed long sides 20, which may be advantageous if a user desires to use the hammock 16 without the additional elements 40 which in this case may be left hanging over the side of the hammock 16 without reaching all the way to the ground.

[0157] Fig. 14 is a hammock wherein an additional element 40 is attached to two short sides thereof and this is an advantage in that it leaves a user the option of applying additional stimulation to an upper half or a lower half of his or her body.

[0158] Fig. 15 is a hammock 16 wherein a rolled-up additional element 40 is shown in attachment to a short side of the hammock 16 and being rolled up or for storage at one end thereof when not in use.

[0159] Fig. 16 discloses a hammock 16 with a body support element 4 according to the invention shown in sectional view below a user 42 and it is clear that the body support element 4 shall adapt its shape to the shape of the user, and thus provide the stimulation to a greater part of the body of the user 42.

[0160] Fig. 17 shows a hammock 16 in sideview, wherein an unstretchable rope 34 is used between two opposed suspension points 8. The hammock element between the two opposed suspension points 8 may thus remain soft, even when charged with an occupant.

[0161] Fig. 18A shows a singular support member 2 in a non-compressed configuration. In a non-compressed configuration, the singular support member can be seen to have a diameter of D.

[0162] Fig. 18B shows a singular support member 2 in a compressed configuration. When affected by weight e.g., from a user lying in the hammock, the support members can be compressed. Under normal usage conditions the maximum compression occurring would be a compression of the diameter to half of the non-compressed diameter (D).

[0163] Fig. 19A shows a prior art hammock 16. When a user 42 uses the prior art hammock 16 it stretches out and the user can sway from side to side to stimulate their proprioceptive sense.

[0164] However, the prior art hammock lacks the ability to provide stimulation to the kinaesthetic senses.

[0165] Fig. 19B shows a hammock 16 according to the invention. The hammock 16 contains support members 2 that provide a pressure (force) to the users 42 when they operate the hammock. A zoom-in of the body support element 4 can be seen in Fig. 20.

[0166] When the user 42 lays down, the support members 2 provide a force that helps the user stimulate his or her kinaesthetic senses.

[0167] The force varies depending on multiple factors: how close are the support members 2 relative to each other, how much contact does the user 42 have with individual support members.

[0168] As such, the hammock 16 can be adjusted to ensure the correct amount of support members 2, width of enclosures 10 and size of the hammock 16 are utilized such that it can accommodate users 42 of different sizes.

[0169] By providing a hammock with support members it is possible to provide a lot of pressure points (F₁, F₂, F₃) that helps the user to be stimulated by the pressure.

List of reference numerals

[0170] 

2

Support members

2.1

Spherical shape

2.2

Oval standing

2.3

Pointed shape

2.4

Cylindrical shape

4

Body support element

6

Layer

8

Point of suspension

10

Enclosure

12

Textile (e.g. woven or braided sheet-formed element)

16

Hammock

18

Suspension rod elements

20

Opposing sides

22

Corner

24

Zip fastener (zip)

26

String

28

String of its own

30

Cloth element

32

Through-going string

33

Arrow

34

Unstretchable rope

36

Central portion

38

Lateral portion

40

Additional element (e.g. a body support element)

42

User

F₁, F₂, F₃

Pressure points

Claims

1. A hammock (16) comprising an upper part and a lower part, wherein the upper and lower parts are connected in such a manner that they form a layer (6) comprising a plurality of enclosures (10), characterised in that each enclosure (10) comprises a plurality of support members (2), wherein the plurality of support members (2) are arranged and configured to freely move within the enclosures (10), wherein the support members (2) are configured to act as pressure points (F₁, F₂, F₃) when a user (42) is sitting or lying on the hammock (16).

2. A hammock (16) according to claim 1, characterised in that the support members (2) are rigid in such a manner that under intended loading they will not be compressed to more than half their diameter in a non-compressed configuration.

3. A hammock (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the upper and lower parts are connected by stitches.

4. A hammock (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hammock (16) is suspended in a way which allows at least a pendulum like swinging motion of the hammock (16).

5. A hammock (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support members (2) are integrated in or attached to a textile (12).

6. A hammock (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hammock (16) comprises a body support element (4) that is shaped as a rectangle, a rounded rectangle or an oval structure and comprises means of suspension (8) provided in opposing ends of the hammock (16).

7. A hammock (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support members (2) are shaped with smooth and rounded surfaces.

8. A hammock according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support members (2) are made in either

- a material that does not absorb moist or water or

- a material provided with holes allowing water to pass through the support members (2).

9. A hammock according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hammock comprises a fastening means (24) such as a zip fastener (24) and/or the one half of a zip fastener (24) and/or a number of buttons.

10. A hammock according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hammock (16) comprises a central portion (36) and two lateral portions (38), wherein the support members (2) are only provided in the central portion (36), wherein the means of suspension (8) are provided in the lateral portions (38).

Drawing