A flexible structural frame (100) includes a structure (110) having a passage (112), the walls (114) of the passage (112) defining an opening (116). The flexible structural frame (100) also includes a piece of elastomeric material (120) that has a first surface (122) and a second surface (124). The first surface (122) of the elastomeric material (120) is coupled to at least one of the walls (114) of the passage (112). The flexible structural frame (100) further includes at least one rigid member (130) coupled to the elastomeric material (120) and at least one tension bearing member (140) coupled to the rigid member (130), such that the elastomeric material (120) is compressed when the tension applied to the tension bearing member (140) increases.