On Hammocks and Patents.

**headchange4u** · 05-24-2007, 10:04

Originally Posted by Hog On Ice

I wonder how long it will be before someone patents the ring buckle support system.

You have discovered my plan. I was going to patent it and then sue everyone who uses it and then retire.

**NCPatrick** · 05-24-2007, 10:05

Ok, so now we need to find an article about a prehistoric ring-buckle type support system to fight off that patent.

**Coffee** · 05-24-2007, 10:08

I've set through a couple long and boring lectures on intellectial property rights concerning anything that I would develop while in college.

I wonder if the same concept holds true with something that you post in a public place. I know the moral part of me would give credit and rights where it is due, but I wonder what legal rights it entails.

**Coffee** · 05-24-2007, 10:09

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

Ok, so now we need to find an article about a prehistoric ring-buckle type support system to fight off that patent.

Look to the fashionable belts of the 80's.

**Frolicking Dino** · 05-24-2007, 10:13

Well, since the ring buckle system is definitely already in the public domain.... someone can try to patent it, but it won't hold up to scrutiny

**wilsonbmw** · 05-24-2007, 10:15

Originally Posted by headchange4u

You know Tom may be angry at the forums because we disassembled one of his hammocks and posted some instructions on how to incorporate his design features into a DIY hammock. It seems his attitude toward DIY'ers is pretty bad.

I don't think Tom would get upset with what "we" did. He did the same thing when he got started. A quote from the HH website:

"....finally decided to duplicate my old army hammock from memory during my winter vacation.

I purchased all the materials ......and flew to Florida to visit my mother, who had taught me to sew when I was 10 and still had her original 1949 sewing machine
.........As I was cutting and sewing, I began to see ways to overcome some of the army hammock's shortcomings.......

The prototype needed to be more spacious inside to eliminate any sense of claustrophobia. It needed to be wider to allow resting or sleeping on the diagonal without curving your back. The netting had to be increased to improve air circulation and the weather fly needed to be adjustable and removable to create an open and airy feeling during good weather and yet close up for protection at night or during inclement weather.

Over the next five years I made over fifty different prototypes ......."

He did a great job improving a product he liked and respected. I am sure he knows that is just what we are doing.

As far as the patents go... If you are going to make and sell a product of innovative design, you have got to CYA.

I have not read all the comments on this thread, but from what I have seen I think there is a lot of emotional and judgemental venting going on. That is not what I come to this forum for. I come here to gain and share information, not feelings and emotions. That is what I pay my therapist for.

**angrysparrow** · 05-24-2007, 10:31

Originally Posted by wilsonbmw

I have not read all the comments on this thread, but from what I have seen I think there is a lot of emotional and judgemental venting going on. That is not what I come to this forum for. I come here to gain and share information, not feelings and emotions.

I agree with you, wilsonbmw. I think that almost everything that needs to be said about patents has been said and everyone has had a chance to voice their opinions. There are already some comments about the issue spilling over in other threads too. Perhaps the thread should just be closed until there are further developments? I don't want to stifle anyone who has something to say, but it seems to be approaching 'beating a dead horse' status. JMO.

**Coffee** · 05-24-2007, 11:27

Originally Posted by wilsonbmw

I don't think Tom would get upset with what "we" did. He did the same thing when he got started. A quote from the HH website:

"....finally decided to duplicate my old army hammock from memory during my winter vacation.

I purchased all the materials ......and flew to Florida to visit my mother, who had taught me to sew when I was 10 and still had her original 1949 sewing machine
.........As I was cutting and sewing, I began to see ways to overcome some of the army hammock's shortcomings.......

The prototype needed to be more spacious inside to eliminate any sense of claustrophobia. It needed to be wider to allow resting or sleeping on the diagonal without curving your back. The netting had to be increased to improve air circulation and the weather fly needed to be adjustable and removable to create an open and airy feeling during good weather and yet close up for protection at night or during inclement weather.

Over the next five years I made over fifty different prototypes ......."

He did a great job improving a product he liked and respected. I am sure he knows that is just what we are doing.

As far as the patents go... If you are going to make and sell a product of innovative design, you have got to CYA.

I have not read all the comments on this thread, but from what I have seen I think there is a lot of emotional and judgemental venting going on. That is not what I come to this forum for. I come here to gain and share information, not feelings and emotions. That is what I pay my therapist for.

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

I agree with you, wilsonbmw. I think that almost everything that needs to be said about patents has been said and everyone has had a chance to voice their opinions. There are already some comments about the issue spilling over in other threads too. Perhaps the thread should just be closed until there are further developments? I don't want to stifle anyone who has something to say, but it seems to be approaching 'beating a dead horse' status. JMO.

I see what you guys are saying.

Maybe we should all agree not to add anything to the discussion unless we are furthering it with new information.

**Ramble On** · 05-24-2007, 11:43

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

Ok, so now we need to find an article about a prehistoric ring-buckle type support system to fight off that patent.

Um, how about the ancient ring buckle support system, still in use today.....

holding up my pants?

ok, taken already...

How about the ancient ring buckle system, used to hold on my ARMOR!!! lol

**Redtail** · 05-24-2007, 12:03

The impression I got from reading about Hennessy ridge line is that the innovation being claimed is that it is a structural ridgeline (sets the sag), and not that he was claiming to be the first person to ever tie a string from one end to the other to hang stuff on (tarp, netting, etc.).

Of course this is just the impression I got from his website and the patents, I haven't had any personal interaction as some have had here.