Tensegrity stand for multiple hammocks

**MacEntyre** · 07-28-2010, 16:37

Today, WV posted the following in another thread:

Originally Posted by WV

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!

**angrysparrow** · 07-28-2010, 16:40

That would be an amazing rig at a large hangout like Mt Rogers.

**poker88** · 07-28-2010, 17:13

That is very cool!

**gnome** · 07-28-2010, 17:17

Bucky Fuller is alive and well, great job wonder people! gnome

**Poppabear** · 07-28-2010, 17:25

Very interesting! This would be a really great rig to use fro car camping and such. I will be checking back often to watch how all this progresses.

**dejoha** · 07-28-2010, 17:41

Wow, this is cool. It looks like it can be easily built -- are the components available at local hardware stores?

**MacEntyre** · 07-28-2010, 17:44

Originally Posted by dejoha

...are the components available at local hardware stores?

Dave made his with chain link fence pipe, made of steel. Aluminum poles are harder to come by in 10' lengths.

I'm working on finding or making proper end fittings as well.

- MacEntyre

**beep** · 07-28-2010, 18:00

This is a SERIOUSLY interesting and cool looking idea. I can hardly wait to see this evolve!!!

**nik.martin** · 03-13-2011, 16:36

Originally Posted by MacEntyre

Dave made his with chain link fence pipe, made of steel. Aluminum poles are harder to come by in 10' lengths.

I'm working on finding or making proper end fittings as well.

- MacEntyre

If you will find a sign shop that makes lighted signs, they use 1" AL square tubing in thin walled and thick walled. I'll bet they'd sell you a few 10' lengths.

WV · 03-13-2011, 19:04

Originally Posted by nik.martin

If you will find a sign shop that makes lighted signs, they use 1" AL square tubing in thin walled and thick walled. I'll bet they'd sell you a few 10' lengths.

Actually, one of the drawbacks of using fence rails (aside from the the fact that they are just barely strong enough) is that they are only 10' long. You really need struts 12' long or longer to make a hammock stand.