Abstract: The present invention relates to fabric structures and methods for erecting same. The structure of the invention includes two telescoping apex legs, two generally vertical base legs having a base adapted to resist upward force on the base leg, four roof beams and a fabric roof membrane connected to each of the roof beams along a substantial portion of its periphery. A moment is applied tending to bow the roof beams upward and outward and the roof membrane is held under tension counter to said moment when the apex legs are telescopically raised relative to the base legs and the apex and base legs are positioned vertically. The invention provides a structure with a hyperbolic trapezoid roof made from modular components that are readily transported and assembled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to horizontal frame tensile structures (“HFTS”) of the kind employing corner elements to interconnect beams and posts. The corner elements of the invention comprise 1) two arms that engage the ends of adjacent beams, and 2) a leg that engages the top of a post. The arms are splayed so as to produce canted corner angles. Optionally, or additionally, the leg angle of the corner element is canted. Canting the corner angle and/or the leg angle causes the beams to bow upwards and/or outwards, thereby effectively increasing the angle in the horizontal plane between adjacent beams. This bow in the beams is reduced or eliminated when the membrane is attached to the frame, thereby providing straight beams and an aesthetically pleasing profile and introducing beneficial increased tension into the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portico for saddle-shaped tents. The portico includes a drape that is suspended from the saddle-frame of the saddle-shaped tent. The portico also includes a portico-frame that has a horizontal beam, which beam is attached to the lower edge of the drape. The portico-frame may also include posts. In one embodiment of the invention, the portico acts as a joiner to join two adjacent saddle-shaped tents. The invention includes tents and compound tent-structures that incorporate the portico.