Patent attributes
A tension-compression base structure includes tension elements (such as flexible cables or ropes) and compression elements (such as rigid legs) with a slidably adjustable path for the tension elements around or within the compression elements, thereby enabling a degree of adaptability to support surfaces that may not be ideally flat, such as on outdoor terrain. Such a tension-compression base may be used to support a platform that may be desirably held in a preferred orientation irrespective of terrain irregularities. Height adjustment of the platform can be achieved via a telescoping mechanism, a gas spring, or the like, at the one or both ends of the compression members of the structure. A spring or other compliant member inline with the “loop” tension member can be included. The spring also can remove the requirement for fine adjustments of tension elements during normal service. The spring can benefit various tension-compression base structures.