HH Patent for Insulated Hammock

**warbonnetguy** · 12-07-2009, 20:04

sounds to me like it's more of a removeable double bottom that the tension can be adjusted on so that you could put ccf or a down quilt in there. how well will it work is the question. replacement to the supershelter?

**Just Jeff** · 12-07-2009, 20:17

Curious how he'll seal the gap between the two halves...from Fig 10 it looks like there will be a risk of heat escaping.

**warbonnetguy** · 12-07-2009, 20:21

well, i got the impression that the "halves" were just fabric, that held the actual insulating item, but maybe the insualtion they'd sell would be the same shape. i recall something about "overlapping panels". i can't tell much from the drawings though

**slowhike** · 12-07-2009, 20:38

With out going back & looking at the drawings or re-reading the description (I didn't read all of it... I like pictures better<G>) my impression is that the bottom layer is permanently attached to one foot end, the sides & maybe the other end are attached by Velcro???

OK... I just typed out a problem I see w/ the design, & was going to mention that I had already addressed it elsewhere... but I'm not helping you Tom

So I deleted it. Any HF members that want to know, I'll be glad to share

But bottom line... how does he get away w/ patenting something already in use??? I thought even the patent people could get in trouble for giving such a patent

**warbonnetguy** · 12-07-2009, 20:46

well, you have to read the claims, what's being patented is very specific to the claims, you could for instance patent a double bottom hammock or an insulated hammock if there is a specific "new" difference that isn't found in prior art. i this case it sounds like the "new" part is how the panels attach and detach.

**Just Jeff** · 12-07-2009, 20:49

Patent people can't get in trouble, really...but once he has the patent he has to spend the money to enforce it, and if the "offender" can prove that it was already in the public domain then he can't collect damages.

I think the insulation is one piece but the undercover is in two pieces...but the undercover is the windblock so the wind will steal the heat if it's not sealed well enough. Even overlapping will leave it vulnerable to wind from whichever side the opening is on. I'm sure there's a way around it...just interested in seeing how he'll do it.

Edit - yeah - what WBG said about the claims. Only the part he's claiming as new will be enforceable.

**slowhike** · 12-07-2009, 20:51

I hear what you're saying Brandon, but how about Mr H trying to keep others from doing anything that is similar to what he has claimed a patent on, even if there are clearly differences (ridge line, etc)?

**JerryW** · 12-07-2009, 20:54

Sheesh...I'm sure glad I can make all my own stuff. DIY rocks!

Jerry

**Just Jeff** · 12-07-2009, 20:55

Well, what he threatens to enforce and what he can actually enforce are two different things. The threat of legal action against a small cottage startup is probably enough to make most folks back off, even if they would have won in the end. Brandon probably knows more of the details of that than I do...

**warbonnetguy** · 12-07-2009, 20:55

it almost looks like a replacement to the ss to me, i can't see it having enough tension to work well with a buckeling ccf, nor would i imagine it would work well with down for other reasons, but who knows. i wonder when they will become avail, maybe somebody should call and ask them.