Abstract: The invention relates to a tarpaulin structure for an understructure, such as a truck, trailer, semi-trailer, railway car, dump truck or container, comprising a folding-top frame (16) and a tarpaulin (12) made of weather-resistant material, the folding-top frame (16) includes a plurality of struts (34); at the end, each of the struts has a carriage (32) that is movable along a guide (20), at least one bracket (36) is selectively pivotally connected to a pair of opposite carriages (32; 32?) of the strut or to the strut (34); said bracket (36) forming a tarpaulin folding aid along with a bracket (26; 36) of an adjacent strut (34), of a pair of opposite carriages (32; 32?) or of a stationary part (24) of the folding-top frame (16).

Abstract: The present invention extends to a double canopy covered wagon. Interior canopy frame supports support an interior canopy over a portion of a wagon flooring surface and under larger exterior canopy frame supports. The exterior canopy frame supports support an exterior canopy over the interior canopy. Including interior and exteriors canopies increases insulation relative to a single canopy. Further, since the exterior canopy frame supports are larger than the interior canopy frame supports, air can flow between the interior and exterior canopies. Air flow between the canopies in combination with increased insulation facilitates more effective climate control inside a wagon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tarpaulin structure for a substructure, such as a lorry, trailer, semi-trailer, railway car, dump truck or container, comprising a covering frame and a tarpaulin consisting of weather-resistant material, wherein the covering frame has a plurality of struts (34) which each have on the end sides thereof a carriage (32) that is displaceable along a guide (20), wherein at least one bow (36) is pivotally connected at each pair of opposed carriages (32; 32?), said bow forming with a bow (36) of an adjacent carriage pair (32) a tarpaulin folding aid, the bows (36) of the tarpaulin folding aid being connected to each other. A tarpaulin structure that allows a reliable covering of a substructure while having a low intrinsic weight is achieved according to the invention in that the connected bows (36) comprise a pivot angle limiter (38) that allows only a limited pivoting of the bows (36).

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a steel vehicle body with a vehicle body component defined by a pair of body members. The vehicle body component defines a body adhesive bonding zone. Front and rear roof rails span laterally between the body members. An aluminum vehicle roof component includes a roof panel having a peripheral flange structure which defines a roof adhesive bonding zone corresponding to the body adhesive bonding zone. Forward and rear support brackets extend laterally across the roof panel, a portion of each support bracket is located on the flange structure inwardly of the roof adhesive bonding zone. The support brackets are configured to provide a vertical spacing between the flange structure and the vehicle body. The vehicle roof component is bonded to the vehicle body via an adhesive applied to the body and roof adhesive bonding zones.

Abstract: Recreational mobile structure for letting children play and for transporting and securing them while protecting them from falling objects, smoke and flames. The structure is also suitable to simultaneously fill the need of containing and entertaining children, as in a playpen, ensuring that they do not exit, and to store and transport toys.

Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle is provided that has a “bow-tie” shape including a central portion flanked by two triangular portions. The triangular portions are joined to right and left roof brackets that are, in turn, joined to right and left roof rails. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled from extruded tubular parts. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled in a clamshell structure including an upper shell and a lower shell that are joined together by welding. The roof bow may be formed in one piece as a sheet metal stamping having side portions that are wider than the central portion.

Abstract: A boat trailer canopy can include a frame configured to be connected to a boat trailer, the frame including a plurality of spaced apart ribs extending along a longitudinal axis of the boat trailer, each rib of the plurality of ribs substantially arching the boat trailer, and a cover extending over frame.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method is employed to fabricate a roof bow. A first body element and a second body element each have one or more tabs are both formed from a substrate. The tabs of the first body element are clinched to the second body element. The tabs of the second body element are clinched to the first body element. An upper cord is clinched to a top edge of the coupled body elements and a lower cord is clinched to a bottom edge of the coupled body elements to form the roof bow.

Abstract: A cover system for a substantially flat support surface on a vehicle includes plural removable panels configured to be disposed at opposite lateral sides of the support surface, lower supports which support lower surfaces of the panels and upper rails which retains upper surfaces of the panels at the opposite lateral sides of the support surface. Edge portions of the panels are shaped to overlap with the edge portions of adjacent side panels such that outermost surfaces of the panels extend substantially continuously when the panels are operatively disposed at the opposite lateral sides of the support surface. Each of the panels includes retaining device selectively fixing a lower portion of the panel on the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof bow for a trailer body for use with a commercial motor vehicle is provided, including a top wall, a floor, and a pair of side walls cooperating to define a cargo space, and a plurality of supports each extending substantially across the trailer body between the side walls. The top wall includes an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the supports are connected to the exterior surface of the top wall such that at least a substantial portion of the interior surface of the top wall is generally smooth. The roof bow has a uniform cross-sectional shape along its length and having a crown joining with side walls and a pair of attachment pads, the bow forming an interior cavity with the pads having inwardly extending leg extensions.

Abstract: A clamping device for sliding roofs is provided in the region of the guidance and runner rail. An actuation lever is pivotable between locking and release positions. A clamping element is modifiable in its position by means of the actuation lever, which coacts with a countermember of the end carriage and moves the end carriage to the end of the guidance and runner rail. The clamping element is aligned with the guidance and runner rail, and is shiftable in a longitudinal direction, between a locking position retaining the end carriage, and a release position. The guide comprises in a subregion on the underside an open space such that upon shifting of the actuation lever into the release position, the clamping element is at least partly lowerable sufficiently that the end carriage can be displaced away from the end of the guidance and runner rail.

Abstract: A trailer roof assembly includes a horizontal roof member and a vertical wall member. An arcuate member is connected on a first end with the vertical wall member and on a second end with the horizontal roof member. The arcuate roof member includes a nub that extends outwardly and abuts the horizontal roof member. A fastener extends through the horizontal roof member and the arcuate member into a channel disposed on an underside of the arcuate member. A trim piece is disposed in the channel hiding the fastener from view.

Abstract: A cover assembly 10 having a cover support portion 30 having various members 34, 36, and 38 each having respective bodies 70 which respectively have a plurality of cells 80 which make the members 34, 36, 38 lightweight and structurally sound, and the members 34, 36, 38 cooperatively deploying a cover 32 over the bed 14 of a selectively movable assembly 12.

Abstract: A vehicle roof bow assembly includes a roof bow member and a pair of telescoping mounting brackets. The roof bow member is configured to extend in a lateral side-to-side direction along an underside of a vehicle roof panel. The telescoping mounting brackets each have a first end and a second end with the first end having a side rail attachment flange configured for rigid attachment to a first vehicle roof side rail and a roof panel attachment flange configured for rigid attachment to the vehicle roof panel and the second end being attached to the roof bow member. The telescoping mounting brackets are disposed at opposite ends of the roof bow member.

Abstract: The invention is an arch-based structural element designed to offer the resistance of the apex curvature of the arch to present to and intercept a force (an automobile collision). The resistance of the arch and its construction using strong lightweight materials give auto passengers the maximum degree of safety as well as lower consumption of fuel associated with weigh reduction.

Abstract: A bed cover assembly is provided for a vehicle, including a frame having a pair of side rails and a center rail. The pair of side rails is releasably mountable to the bed of the vehicle without leaving permanent holes in the vehicle. A pair of covers is pivotally connected to the side rails. A pneumatic cylinder operatively connected to the side rails and covers for moving the covers between an open and closed position. A soft cargo cover is mountable to the pair of covers when the pair of covers is in the open position.

Abstract: An open-top cargo box for a truck trailer that is selectively coverable with bow-supported tarpaulin system. The cargo box has an interior cavity defined by front and rear walls connected together by a pair of longitudinally extending side walls. Each side wall has an upper horizontal surface defining a plurality of spaced-apart apertures therein. Each aperture has a first cross-sectional shape and a first size. The bows that support the tarpaulin include vertically oriented ends, each of which has a second cross-sectional shape and a second size. The second shape and size of the ends of the bows is smaller than the first shape and size of the apertures. Consequently, if the side walls of the cargo box spread apart under pressure exerted by a load carried in the cavity, the ends of the bows slidably move within the apertures in the side walls in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the side walls. The side walls may be reinforced proximate the apertures.

Abstract: A retractable canopy system for a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The system comprises a mounting frame that includes a pair of legs. An upper portion of each leg can be frictionally retained between a pair of corresponding vehicle roof support side struts. Distal ends of each mounting frame leg can be fixedly connected to a fixed structure of the vehicle. At least one deployment frame can be pivotally connected to the mounting frame legs and a canopy can be attached to the mounting frame and the deployment frame. Thus, the canopy can be transitioned between a stowed position and a deployed position by moving the deployment frame.

Abstract: A roof bow adapted to support a roof skin of a trailer and be affixed to spaced apart top rails of the trailer. The roof bow includes an elongated channel and a pair of end pieces affixed to opposite ends of the elongated channel by clinching. When viewed in cross section transverse to its general extent, the channel includes a substantially flat central portion and extending end portions defining support surfaces offset vertically from the central portion. The support surfaces are adapted to support the trailer sheet skin. Each end piece includes a substantially flat flange and an angled arm extending away from the flange. The angled arm adapted to be affixed to a respective one of the trailer top rails. For each of the pair of end pieces, a plurality of clinch joints affix the flange to the central portion of the channel.

Abstract: A convertible roof system uses composite roof rail(s). The composite roof rail can have portions that are made of differing materials. The composite roof rail can use universal connecting pieces for the ends of the roof rail. Adjacent composite roof rails can be formed about a connector that couples the adjacent roof rails together.

Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle, comprising a vertical face, a curved top flange extending in a first direction, and a straight bottom flange extending in the first direction. Preferably, the roof bow is monolithic with a plurality of apertures in the vertical face that provide clearance for ductwork, wiring, etc. Additionally, the roof bow may comprise horizontally and vertically-extending indented embossments, and rolled embossments about the apertures. Side flanges may additionally extend in the first direction and attach to side walls of the vehicle via an angled connector.

Abstract: A portable cover unit includes a fabric cover supported by a flexible frame. The fabric cover has sleeves that secure members of the flexible frame, which is constructed with primary frame members extending in a first direction and at least one secondary frame member extending in a second substantially perpendicular direction between the primary frame members. A plurality of connectors are attachable to an object to which the portable cover unit is installed, each including an aperture sized to receive the primary frame members. Structure is also provided for securing the fabric cover to the object to which the portable cover unit is installed. The portable cover unit can be mounted to any open portion of a vehicle such as a boat, golf cart or the like or can be used independently. The structure can be readily disassembled and stored in a compact package.

Abstract: A collapsible top (13) fits over a child's pull wagon (10), may be taken apart easily, and flatly packaged for store display or mail order shipment. It has a light weight, flexible frame (15) universally adjustable to fit the various sizes of wagon beds (12). In principle, however, the top may be scaled up as a tent for adults, or as a canopy for outdoor recreation. The top includes a cover material (14) stretched between a pair of spaced hoop members (16). They are bowed into an arch above their lower ends which are fitted into mounting brackets (20) secured to the corners of the wagon. A spreader rod (22) forces apart the arched portions of the hoop members sufficiently at the top to develop an overhang beyond the ends of the wagon, thereby allowing the lower legs adjustment to any wagon size, and creating internal mutual stresses between the frame and the cover in a modular, unitary structure strengthened thereby enough to avoid having to use intermediate ribs or other support parts.

Abstract: A bow system is disclosed for an open top of a truck bed. A pair of brackets are fastened to the truck bed proximate a side wall, and have an extension extending generally inwardly and upwardly. A bow having a width greater than its height spans the open top of the truck bed, and is fastened to the extensions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a bow end used for sliding bow covering systems which utilizes a solid trolley rail or trolley rail cables or cable or tubular track, trolley wheels and a trolley base having a bow support. The trolley rails or cables are attached to each side of any open top unit or the track is attached along the side. The trolley bow end rides on the trolley rail or in the track without touching the trailer. The important difference in this concept is that the roller wheels are located substantially below the horizontal line of the top of the trailer unit, this allows for side delivery of the contents of the trailer without allowing the contents to effect the trailer trolley rails or cable. Also an extension for storing the bows and tarp in the open position extends out either the front or back end, thus not interfering with the open top of the dump unit. The unit is designed for use with any open to dump box.

Abstract: A canopy apparatus is provided for a vehicle and includes inner and outer canopy support assemblies which include inner and outer top transverse canopy beams. The canopy support assemblies are pivotally connected to the vehicle. A flexible sheet assembly is supported by the top transverse canopy beams. Outer rider members are in sliding engagement with the outer canopy struts. Inner rider members are in sliding engagement with the inner canopy struts, wherein each of the outer rider members is placed adjacent to one of the inner rider members. A pair of rotatable rider connector assemblies are provided, wherein each rotatable rider connector assembly is connected between an outer rider member and an adjacent inner rider member. With the vehicle canopy apparatus of the invention, when the vehicle is moving forward and the top transverse inner canopy beam bumps into a tree limb, the vehicle canopy apparatus yields to the tree limb and flexes backward.

Abstract: This invention is a boat covering system with adjustable bracket devices clamped to the outer stanchions of a boat. Flexible support ribs extend across the boat and are inserted into the pair of brackets located on opposite sides of the boat. These flexible support ribs form the main framework for the boat cover. The brackets are adjustable around a plurality of axes for adjustability of the overall cover height and configuration.

Abstract: A receiver for a tarp bow, a tarp bow and a frame for supporting a removable covering. The receiver is adapted to be attached to a side wall of a container with an open top, said receiver further adapted to be pivoted in a vertical plane with respect to the side wall. The receiver has an open end that is circular in cross section with a coalesced side channel for receipt of a leg of a tarp bow. The tarp bow is preferably formed of aluminum tubing having a cross section complementary to the receiver. A plurality of bows spanning the width of the top opening and mounted in the receivers forms a frame that can be pivoted out of the top opening at either end of the bow.

Abstract: A bulk material container, such as a trailer, includes an improved cross brace and top rail system including roller-type cross brace assemblies. The rear and center cross brace assemblies advantageously include a support tube, an outer loosely mounted roller, and two mounting brackets. The tube serves as the lateral support for the trailer; the ends being held in brackets attached to the top rails. The roller is mounted loosely over the tube and is free to rotate and/or to be lifted vertically, thereby preventing tightly packed bulk cargo material from becoming lodged against the braces during the unloading process. The top rails are extrusions with different portion thicknesses designed to minimize the weight while still providing sufficient strength to withstand the forces exerted during loading.

Abstract: An upper vehicle body structure having structural rigidity sufficient to prevent a sunroof unit from sinking has left and right roof side rails, each being formed into a closed cross-section by inner and outer rail panels, each of which has at least a vertical rail section and a horizontal rail section to which an inclining section and horizontal section of a bottom section of an attachment bracket. Roof reinforcements are secured at their bottom sections to the horizontal sections of the attachment brackets.

Abstract: A tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer, vehicle or the like. The device includes a flexible and resilient pole having a first end and a second end, the pole being normally straight and bowed under tension to an arched position. A first bracket is opposed to a second bracket, each bracket being attached to the trailer and each bracket having a non-cylindrical opening therein. A first socket and a second socket each have a receptacle to receive one of the pole ends, each socket terminating in a non-cylindrical post receivable in one of the openings to retain the sockets and retain the pole and to prevent radial movement of the post.

Abstract: An aerodynamic, lightweight, flexible material top for enclosing a flatbed of a wheeled vehicle having a front and rear, the top includes a series of inverted, U-shaped supports extending upwardly from and across the flatbed with a first support at the front and a last support at the rear. A flexible material is stretched over the supports and includes a fixed sleeve and a laterally adjustable sleeve which are secured about the first and last supports. At least a portion of the top is pivotally connected as to swing upwardly away from the flatbed to gain access under the top and to the flatbed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a utility truck bed cover which consists of a rigid frame section which supports a flexible tarpaulin section. The frame section comprises a plurality of bow-shaped members arranged in spaced parallel arrangement which pivot longitudinally to allow stretching of the tarpaulin. The frame members are segmented to allow detachment for storage and shipment. The frame members may also be mounted in the side wall apertures of the truck by means of a unique clamping arrangement. The frame members may also be mounted on wheels on a longitudinal track to facilitate collapsing the cover.

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 latching crossbar apparatus for supporting a flexible cover for a truckbed cover of the type employing rails which are affixed proximate or on the tops of the side walls of a pickup truck cargo box. The crossbar apparatus includes a latching mechanism for the facilitated installation and subsequent removal of the crossbars from the rails.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly includes a frame attached to the sidewalls of a pick-up truck, one or more clamps to secure the frame in place, a flexible cover which spans the bed of the vehicle, one or more cross-bows which support the flexible cover, and a plurality of cross-bow clips. The cross-bow clips are telescopically engageable with the distal ends of the cross-bow, and can effectively lengthen or shorten the cross-bow. The cross-bow clips are engageable with the top rail of the tonneau cover frame. More specifically, the cross-bow clip includes a pair of projections which are engageable with the two longitudinally extending channels of the top rail. The first projection is hollow, and is somewhat resilient. Thus, it may snugly fit and form to the dimensions of the first channel. The second projection is solid, and rests within the second channel. The cross-bow clip of the present invention allows the cross-bows to be easily mounted to or dismounted from the top rail of the tonneau cover frame.

Abstract: A wagon top conversion assembly includes a framework for extending over and mounting to the opposite sides of a child's wagon, a plurality of mounting brackets attachable to the opposite sides of the wagon for mounting the framework thereto, a flexible cover being mountable over the framework to extend downwardly therefrom with separable side portions and an end portion for attachment to the sides and end of the wagon and capable of being individually placed in rolled-up conditions to open the sides and end of the wagon, and fastening ties attached on the flexible cover for fastening the cover to the sides and end of the wagon and for retaining selected ones of the side portions and end portion of the cover in the rolled-up condition.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus are provided for placing a cover lifter at a position at which a cover for a load-carrying vehicle (such as a standard gondola car) must be lifted to form a non-load-formed peak. A web is quickly installed, and need be installed only at the locations at which there is a valley in the load. The web is placed transversely across the car generally in the horizontal plane of the top of the car. The web supports the cover lifter which is initially (during placing of the cover over the web and the loaded car) flat and generally in the plane of the top of the car. After placing the web tightly on the car, and then securely tying the cover to the car over the web, the cover lifter is raised and causes the cover to stretch in a controlled manner and form a lifter-peak, which is a non-load-formed peak at just the location at which the load did not form such a load-formed peak, but did form a valley.

Abstract: A cargo bed cover in which two frames are used to provide a rigid fabric shell. The first frame is rigid and is constructed of metal piping or other suitable material. The second frame is constructed of flexible stock preferably having a substantially flat cross section and sewn into or secured to the fabric material. Acting as battens, the flexible stock tends to keep the fabric taut during wind pressure either through ambient conditions or through the vehicle's movement. The flexible frame is secured to the rigid frame through ties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flatbed trailers for hauling cargo on highways, and more particularly to stakes to be releasably secured in pockets along the edges of a flatbed trailer for converting that trailer from one without side walls to one with side walls. The stake comprises an elongated main body of uniform transverse cross-section. The bottom end portion of the main body is formed so as to be releasably received in the pocket. A pair of oppositely disposed panel-receiving channels extend along sides of the main body for releasably receiving sides of wall panels.

Abstract: An adjustable bow for a tonneau cover assembly used on a pick-up truck to provide support for a lightweight removable cloth cover for the truck bed. The tonneau cover assembly has an aluminum perimeter frame secured to the truck bed with multiple support bows extending transversely across to support and elevate the cloth tonneau cover that is secured to the perimeter frame by multiple snap fasteners.

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.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly is provided having a rail network, a plurality of clamps, one or more crossbars and a flexible top. The rail network is secured about the bed of a pick-up truck, using clamps. Thus, no holes are made in the vehicle, and the entire tonneau cover assembly can be mounted without the use of tools. After the rail network is secured to the truck, the crossbars are placed over the truck bed, and snap onto the clamps. Insert tips allow the crossbars to adjust to various lengths. A tang on the clamp is received by the insert tip, and provides resistance to torsional forces. A hook assembly is sewn about the periphery of the flexible cover and is secured to the rail network. To disengage the flexible cover from the rail network, a stripping member is used. In the first preferred embodiment, the stripping member rests within the rail network and forcibly ejects a portion of the hook assembly from the rail network.

Abstract: Tarpaulin support bows are provided on a vehicle trailer or bed for supporting the tarpaulin which covers the material being hauled on the vehicle. The support bows are hingedly mounted so they are able to move when they are contacted by a material loading bucket or compacted material. The movement of the support bows reduces the opportunity for damage or breakage of the bows or the vehicle sideboards to which the bows are mounted.

Abstract: This cargo bay cover is a convenient, water-resistant, soft cover for a cargo bay. The cover is designed with five easily removable support arms (38) covered with a lightweight, water-resistant material (20). The support arms are steadied by rigid support brackets (32,34) which fit tightly around the upper side-wall ridge (82) of the cargo bay. Tension caused by the design of the support arms (38) pressing against the support brackets (32,34), and the stabilizer members (36), steady the cover during use. When the cover is not needed it can be removed, rolled up (FIG. 7), and stored in a handy storage bag (80).

Abstract: Apparatus for removably and adjustably mounting one or more of a wide variety of accessories to a universal, elongated bar rail (52) and ratchet strip (54) which in turn are secured to an underlying support surface. The ratchet strip (54) has outwardly extending teeth (58) and is generally hidden beneath the generally smooth, aesthetically pleasing, protective bar rail (52). The types of accessories that can be used with the invention include without limitation: a simple hook clip (72); a spring biased tie down clip (96); a heavy duty tie down ring and clamp (106 and 104); a cargo net (78); a tonneau cover (80); an extendable cargo holder bar (140); a low rack support system (162); a raised rack support system (186); a cantilevered, long load, over cab, rack support system (230); a canopy (248); and vertical posts (302, 308, and 310) and box boards (300).

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for releasably attaching a flexible tonneau cover to the upper flange of a pickup truck cargo box sidewall. The apparatus includes a frame having a rail mounted around the top of the sidewall. The rail has a slot facing away from the cargo area for connecting the tonneau cover edge to the rail. The rail has a second slot facing inwardly toward the cargo area for releasably receiving the end of a L-shaped upper clamping clip. The clip is received in the slot and slid along the rail to a desired position. Each upper clip has a vertical leg mounted adjacent the inside flange of the cargo box sidewall. A C-shaped lower clip, mounted behind the flange, has a midsection adapted to receive a threaded fastener which is also passed through an opening in the vertical leg of the upper clip. The upper clip also has structure at an adjusted height above the cargo box floor for receiving the end of a slat which supports the tonneau cover.

Abstract: A pickup truck camper shell is made of heavy-duty vinyl having fixed clear vinyl windows and zippered opening in rear. The vinyl is sewn to fit a three-piece pipe frame that slides vertically into inserts mounted to the bed of pickup truck. The shell drapes over frame and bottom of shell snaps to perimeter of pickup truck bed. The inserts are made of short pieces of pipe having a larger diameter than pipe of frame and plugged at the bottom. These inserts are mounted to L-shaped brackets that bolt to the inside sides of pickup truck bed. The inserts fasten to the brackets using steel straps. This portable shell is of foldable and knockdown construction for easy handling and storage. The portable pickup truck shell is angled in on all sides, flat on top, and is two-thirds the height of a pickup truck cab. There are two models of the portable camper shell, a roll bar and a non-roll bar model.

Abstract: Roof structure for a land vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, comprising a series of roof bows extending transversely across the top of the vehicle spaced at intervals along the length of the vehicle, each roof bow being formed of sheet metal to have in transverse cross-section a central web, side flanges integral with the web extending downwardly from the web, and lips integral with the flanges at the lower edge of the flanges opposite the web extending inwardly toward one another from the flanges and terminating short of the central vertical longitudinal plane of the beam so that the roof bow has a longitudinal slot at the bottom thereof, and a ceiling comprising sheets of plywood at the bottom of the roof bows, with fasteners for securing the sheets in place each extending up through a hole in the respective sheet and through the slot of a respective roof bow and engaging the bottom of the respective sheet and lips at opposite sides of the slot of a respective roof bow.

Abstract: A tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer, vehicle or the like. The device includes a flexible and resilient pole having a first end and a second end, the pole being normally straight and bowed under tension to an arched position. A first bracket is opposed to a second bracket, each bracket being attached to the trailer and each bracket having a non-cylindrical opening therein. A first socket and a second socket each have a receptacle to receive one of the pole ends, each socket terminating in a non-cylindrical post receivable in one of the openings to retain the sockets and retain the pole and to prevent radial movement of the post.