Patent ID: 7472873

Claim:
An unsupported span device for portable structures and portable signage comprising: a first vertical member; and a second vertical member that cooperates with the first vertical member such that the first vertical member and the second vertical member provide vertical load-bearing capability to the unsupported span; an upper horizontal member and a lower horizontal member for coupling the first vertical member with the lower horizontal member, and for providing a bearing surface for a load applied to the unsupported span; means for fixing the location of the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member with respect to the first vertical member and the second vertical member including a set of clamps, including an upper clamp and a lower clamp associated with each end of each respective horizontal member, whereby each of the respective clamps is adapted to be removably mounted around an outer periphery of each respective vertical member using a compressive force applied by the clamp when the clamp is manipulated by a user; a tensioning member for inducing tension between the first vertical member and the second vertical member; means for fixing the location of the tensioning member with respect to the first vertical member and the second vertical member; a plurality of tethers for laterally stabilizing the unsupported span; and a plurality of anchors for providing fixed points of attachment for the plurality of tethers.