Perpendicular bridge?

**Gqgeek81** · 06-17-2011, 19:34

What would happen if you rigged up a hammock like this?

It would sort of be like a suspension bridge but not exactly like a bridge hammock. It shouldn't need spreader bars or sides.

The point at the top and bottom would be for stake tie outs. This would keep the hammock from bunching up but I don't think it would need a lot of tension though I could be wrong.

It seems like the staked tie outs at top and bottom would sort of serve the same purpose that a ridge line normally does.

Has this been done already?

**NewtonGT** · 06-17-2011, 19:41

hmmm ill be following this one

**hppyfngy** · 06-17-2011, 19:43

Originally Posted by Gqgeek81

Has this been done already?

I think that's called a trampoline. jk

Just off the cuff I think you nailed the problem. There would be a hell of a lot of tension on those tie out points as well as the fabric. I doubt the corners would hold...

One thing for sure you'd have to have very substantial connections between the fabric and the lines... who knows?

**shumway** · 06-17-2011, 19:50

I don't think guy lines on the ends would be enough to hold it open. I think the stress would pull the stakes right out. All a wild guess though.

**Gqgeek81** · 06-17-2011, 19:50

I'm thinking a row of webbing on each end of the fabric.

Really just imagine being in any big brazillian hammock laying perpendicular. Now to each side you've got a huge V of fabric that's excess. Remove it and swap it out for a V suspension like I drew coming from the trees. This does put all the pressure on the corners rather than spreading it out but I'm pretty sure tree strap type webbing would hold it just fine.

If you locked your legs the hammock would spread out just like a brazillian hammock but if you pull them in wedge of the V suspension coming from the trees would narrow and the hammock would sag somewhere. Thus the tent tie outs. I don't think these would have any more tension than a structural ridge line, granted that tension would be going to a stake, but I don't think its huge.

WV · 06-17-2011, 20:01

Has this been done already?

Sort of. And I'm working on prototype #2, but it's tricky keeping it level. There were pics of prototype # 1 in various stages at Mt. Rogers Jan. 2011 and MAHHA at PGF May 2011. I use a lot more than 4 ropes, and I'm trying to avoid needing a really strong tie-out for the head and feet because trees don't grow on a grid, and it makes hanging on a hillside nearly impossible.

**Gqgeek81** · 06-17-2011, 20:11

Does it lay flatter than a regular hammock?

That's my expectation but I can also see where it would be a real pita to get level and frankly now that you mention it, the hill issue would make this considerably less appealing. I wouldn't mind tossing one together to see what happens though.

**hippofeet** · 06-17-2011, 22:29

But.. it wouldn't rock back and forth. That would make me sad. I think it could be made to work, and i'm guessing it would lay pretty flat.

**pedro** · 06-17-2011, 23:02

Originally Posted by WV

Sort of. And I'm working on prototype #2, but it's tricky keeping it level. There were pics of prototype # 1 in various stages at Mt. Rogers Jan. 2011 and MAHHA at PGF May 2011. I use a lot more than 4 ropes, and I'm trying to avoid needing a really strong tie-out for the head and feet because trees don't grow on a grid, and it makes hanging on a hillside nearly impossible.

I saw this rig, and I have to say that WV is a creative genius.

**Jsaults** · 06-18-2011, 10:15

This set-up reminds me of Central American hammocks where one sleeps not in line with the anchors but rather perpendicular to them. I believe you would find a great deal of stress on the spreader bars thoufg - you might need an array of suspension members distributing the force on each side.

But no reason it would not work!

Jim