Flexible Base Structure for Portable Shelters

Abstract

An example method for providing a flexible base structure for a portable shelter includes the steps of forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and attaching a plurality of rib intersections at respective locations along the flexible loop. An alternative method for constructing a flexible base structure for a floorless portable shelter includes forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and arranging a plurality of openings at respective locations along the continuous loop. An embodiment of a base structure for supporting the ribs of a portable shelter includes a flexible loop and a plurality of rib intersections arranged along the flexible loop. Each of the plurality of rib intersections forms an opening for receiving a respective end of a rib that supports the portable shelter.

1 . A base structure for supporting the ribs of a portable shelter, comprising:
 a flexible loop;   a plurality of rib intersections arranged along the flexible loop, each of the plurality of rib intersections including an opening for receiving a respective end of a rib.   
   
   
       2 . The base structure of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible loop comprises a material selected from the group consisting of webbing, cord, rope, wire and cable. 
   
   
       3 . The base structure of  claim 1 , the flexible loop comprises at least one length adjustable segment between adjacent rib intersections and at least one rib intersection comprises a member arranged with a channel for receiving a portion of the flexible loop and a tab that encompasses the opening. 
   
   
       4 . The base structure of  claim 1 , wherein the rib intersections comprise respective grommets located at fixed locations. 
   
   
       5 . The base structure of  claim 1 , wherein the rib intersections comprise grommets fixed in a second loop formed of webbing, the second loop surrounding the flexible loop. 
   
   
       6 . The base structure of  claim 5 , wherein the second loop is fixed to the flexible loop. 
   
   
       7 . The base structure of  claim 5 , wherein the second loop is adjustable along the length of the flexible loop between nearest neighbor loops. 
   
   
       8 . A method for providing a flexible base structure for a portable shelter, comprising:
 forming a continuous loop of a flexible material; and   attaching a plurality of rib intersections at respective locations along the flexible loop.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of rib intersections comprise a respective secondary loop of flexible material that surrounds the continuous loop. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 forming an opening in a secondary loop.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein forming an opening comprises inserting a grommet. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 arranging the continuous loop upon a surface to form a perimeter that closely approximates a base edge of the portable shelter.   
   
   
       13 . A method for constructing a flexible base structure for a floorless portable shelter, comprising:
 forming a continuous loop of a flexible material; and   arranging a plurality of openings at respective locations along the continuous loop.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the openings is formed with a grommet. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the openings is formed with a second loop of a flexible material that surrounds the continuous loop, the second loop of flexible material being substantially smaller than the continuous loop and large enough to receive an end of a support rib. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the openings is formed with a second loop of flexible material that surrounds the continuous loop, the second loop of flexible material having a grommet. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein arranging a plurality of openings at respective locations along the continuous loop comprises a set of fixed locations relative to each other along the continuous loop. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein forming a continuous loop of a flexible material comprises connecting a first end of a length of the flexible material to a second end to complete the loop. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein connecting comprises sewing. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein connecting comprises coupling.