New idea for a hammock stand?

[mountainm]

Not sure if this has merit or not but has anyone messed with suspending a crossbar from a single point (with ropes to each end of the bar and fixed in the middle) then attaching the hammock to the cross bar. Maybe from a square based pyramid frame.

Could be a bit tippy/twisty I guess but may end up with a smaller footprint.

[gnarus8429]

Hmm that is an interesting thought. There would be some unique forces on the crossbar but, if the proper materials were used it could be done. I think that is the only hang up I can think of really is the crossbar would have to be very sturdy. The weight in other stands is distributed over two upright type structures. Downward force is distributed between those two points that are ultimately supported by the ground. In those designs the crossbar only serves to the two upright structures from folding in and thus does not have to be that sturdy. All that downward force in this design would be trying to flex that crossbar. There would be come crazy force trying to flex that crossbar in multiple directions. I think you could definitely end up with a smaller footprint but in the end I bet it will be just as heavy if not heavier than current designs. Wow really is a neat thought though.....now you have to build it. It would definitely look very cool though.

[gmcttr]

...(with ropes to each end of the bar and fixed in the middle) then attaching the hammock to the cross bar....

...Downward force is distributed between those two points that are ultimately supported by the ground...

Same thing. The bar will only see compressive forces in either scenario.

[mountainm]

Same thing. The bar will only see compressive forces in either scenario.

So this is good right - a compressive force is easier to deal with - ie. it's just a big spreader bar. add a central fixing to stop it bowing out and we're good to go?

[hppyfngy]

I think if I were going to attempt this, I would want to suspend the crossbar from the each end to a single hang point, just as the hammock suspension is from the ends of the crossbar, (or as near as possible.)

That way, you'd essentially be only introducing compressive forces on the crossbar/ridge pole, rather than trying like heck to bend the thing in two by hanging it from the middle.

[oldpappy]

I have a "Air Chair" that uses what I think you described and it is quite stable (and comfortable).
http://www.hayneedle.com/product/buy...FZRQOgodIWYAww
I have thought about suspending my Turtle Dog Stand 10 foot ridge pole in this manor, but never pursued it.

[gmcttr]

So this is good right - a compressive force is easier to deal with - ie. it's just a big spreader bar. add a central fixing to stop it bowing out and we're good to go?

Done like this, it will work...

Center Single Point Hang.jpg

The shorter the pole suspension triangle is, the greater the compressive forces in the pole, so make them as long as practical.

[mountainm]

example.jpg
OK a picture speaks a thousand words, even a hastily done one like this - 3 blue suspension lines, 4 red anti twist lines.

[mountainm]

I think if I were going to attempt this, I would want to suspend the crossbar from the each end to a single hang point, just as the hammock suspension is from the ends of the crossbar, (or as near as possible.)

That way, you'd essentially be only introducing compressive forces on the crossbar/ridge pole, rather than trying like heck to bend the thing in two by hanging it from the middle.

The intention was all 3 - see the pic.

[gmcttr]

Lose the center blue suspension, it will just cause problems.

With the longer blue suspension lines at as flat of an angle as they are, they will see a very high load. Use this simulator to get an idea of how angle effects loading.

http://tagsafety.com/library6.aspx

Also be aware that the pole will see the compressive forces from it's suspension above plus from the hammock suspension below.