Portable structure with linking pole

Abstract

A portable structure has a first support pole forming a first arc, when ends of the first support pole rest on ground, and a second support pole forming a second arc, crossing the first arc, when ends of the second support pole rest on the ground. A curved linking pole crosses, off of the ground, at least one of the first and second arcs.

1 . A portable structure, comprising: 
 a first support pole forming a first arc when ends of the first support pole rest on ground;    a second support pole forming a second arc, crossing the first arc, when ends of the second support pole rest on the ground; and    a curved linking pole crossing, off of the ground, at least one of the first and second arcs.    
   
   
       2 . The portable structure of  claim 1 , the linking pole being oval-shaped and extending circumferentially about both the first and second support poles.  
   
   
       3 . The portable structure of  claim 1 , the curved linking pole having first and second ends attached to the first support pole such that the curved linking pole crosses the second support pole.  
   
   
       4 . The portable structure of  claim 1 , further comprising tent fabric coupled with the first and second support poles, and the curved linking pole, to form a tent with increased internal volume as compared to a tent without the curved linking pole.  
   
   
       5 . The support structure of  claim 4 , the curved linking pole forming two discontinuous bends such that the linking pole lifts the tent fabric in selected regions.  
   
   
       6 . The support structure of  claim 4 , further comprising a plurality of clips attaching the tent fabric to the poles, each of the clips having (a) a base member, held by the tent fabric, (b) two end members and (c) a top member, the base member, top member and side members being rigidly connected, wherein a cavity is formed by the members for attachment to one of the poles.  
   
   
       7 . The support structure of  claim 6 , the base member, two end members and top member being constructed as a monolithic element of common material bendable to accommodate engagement to, and disengagement from, the one pole.  
   
   
       8 . The support structure of  claim 7 , the common material comprising one of polycarbonate and acetal.  
   
   
       9 . A portable structure, comprising: 
 a first support pole forming a first arc when ends of the first support pole rest on ground;    a second support pole forming a second arc when ends of the second support pole rest on the ground; and    a curved linking pole crossing, off of the ground, at least one of the first and second arcs.    
   
   
       10 . A clip for attaching a pole to tent fabric, comprising: 
 a base member for coupling with the tent fabric;    two end members; and    a top member, the base member, top member and end members being rigidly connected, wherein a cavity is formed by the members for attachment to the pole.    
   
   
       11 . The clip of  claim 10 , the base member, two end members and top member being constructed as a monolithic element of common material bendable to accommodate engagement to, and disengagement from, the pole.  
   
   
       12 . The clip of  claim 10 , the base member and top member having a length that is about two times larger than a width of the pole.  
   
   
       13 . The clip of  claim 10 , the top member being adapted for gripping by human fingers.  
   
   
       14 . The clip of  claim 10  wherein a distance between the two end members is greater than 25 mm.  
   
   
       15 . The clip of  claim 10  wherein the base member, top member, and end members are configured with an attachment aspect ratio greater than 1.5:1.