Abstract: A support for a covering over one open top of a trailer box or other container which can be displaced from the opening when the covering is removed. The support has a series of parallel bows pivotally attached at one end to one side of the opening and configured at the other end to reversibly engage the other side of the opening. A perpendicular ridgepole is pivotally connected to the bows and assures that all the bows move in unison or are uniformly prohibited from movement. A lock on one bow is simultaneously released when a rope is pulled to pivot the bows from the support position to the retracted position. A method is disclosed of pivoting the bows at least partially out of the top opening of the box or container.

Abstract: A protective cover for a bow element adapted for connection laterally of a truck body having an opening for supporting a canvas cover and including a rectangular pliable member substantially equal in length to the elongated bow and having a width sufficient to substantially surround the elongated bow. At least one male and female fastening member is on opposing sides of the pliable member such that the pliable member can be folded around the bow member and attached thereto with the mating female and male fasteners.