Tensegrity stand for multiple hammocks

[MacEntyre]

Today, WV posted the following in another thread:

MacEntyre and I are working on an aluminum tensegrity stand that will support N hammocks, where N is the number of struts selected. Here is my 3-strut hammock stand.



The struts do not touch each other, and handle only compression forces (no bending). They are held up by the amsteel tendons. The top tendons function as structural ridgelines for the hammock(s). - David

I thought I would make a new thread, because this hammock stand is, IMHO, a truly amazing thing! I'm working on a prototype like Dave's, using aluminum poles with end fittings. Another feature I like a lot is that the Tensegrity Hammock Stand requires no stakes! Put rubber feet on it, and you can use it indoors.

I'd like to make a tarp for a 3-strut Tensegrity Hammock Stand, as well as one that is extendable, so it would work for 3, 4 or 5 strut stands. The idea is that each hiker would carry one pole and one portion of the tarp.

Dave pointed out that with 4 struts or more, there is room for a wood stove in the middle. That extendable tarp needs to be able to close up tight!

I've contacted some people at NCSU, where Bucky Fuller pioneered Tensegrity structures, so that we can optimize the design for our purpose.

Skippy, don't you wish we had one of these in Big Bend?

- MacEntyre

P.S. Gotta get a tarp on that thing, Dave... when I look at it, I always think about the umbrella style clotheslines from the 50s!