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This article demonstrates a portable large hoop design that is great for Kid in a bubble (KIB) work and other large and medium hoop work. See also the optional ribbed sleeve which increases capacity. See the Kid in a bubble article for moat ideas.  

UPDATED INFORMATION: It is possible to eliminate the dowel plugs for all the connectors except for the "T" fitting and where the handle is connected to the "T" fitting. The connectors remain tightly fitted without them but I prefer using the dowel plugs if only to eliminate any chance the connectors getting misplaced when disassembled.

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Completed and assembled hoop

The hoop is made from 1/2" PEX tubing made by Sharkbite which is an excellent material for constructing hoops large and small. The design shown here breaks down into a travel-friendly pieces utilizing the Sharkbite connectors which fit inside the tube rather than outside of it. PEX tubing will bend to a 90 degree angle without needing an elbow fitting. PEX Sharkbite products can be found at Home Depot and Lowe's and other home improvement stores. It is most commonly found in white, but I recently found it at Home Depot Mexico in blue and red.

 
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Disassembled and ready for storage or travel.

 

How much tubing do you need? Determine the hoop diameter that you want and multiply that diameter by pi (3.14)

 
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Fully-disassembled with handle detached.

 
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4-piece breakdown if handle is not detached

 
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Hole drilled at one end of a section so internal fitting/connector is "permanently" in place. Note: when in use the liquid will cause the dowel plug to swell.

 

Important! Notice where the "permanent" wood dowel plugs are located securing the connectors to minimize flexing when in use (top section has no connector attached). Make sure all sections are equal in length.

 
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I chose to install a handle that was removable at a 45 degree angle onto a "T" fitting. 90 degree connector is also available. The dowel plug shown here is easily removed with a pair of pliers and easily replaced. To minimize flexing when in use I shortened the handle to 8"

 
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This section includes the handle using a "T" connector and is made permanent to equal the other 3 sections. The handle (see other photo) can be made to be removable.

 

  

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The travel hoop breaks down into 5 compact pieces when the handle is removed (optional). Note: Until the wooden dowel plugs become saturated and swell there will be some liquid entering the hoop, this will be very minimal.

 

Worth noting! When the hoop is left out in the direct sun in high heat the tubing will expand differently than the fittings and may cause the connections to loosen slightly but will tighten once again when cooled.

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Travel hoop assembly and dip demo video-0

 

Wrapping the Hoop[]

Rick Findley notes: "I have begun to wrap each section of my Travel Hoop while unassembled and attach each end with a zip (wire) tie. This way you do not have to re-wrap it every time you reassemble it. (Note: Each wrap is approx one inch apart from the other)."

See the following article for demonstrations of the influence of various hoop coverings: A demonstration of this hoop with three different coverings

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