Flexible tarpaulin support device

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer or vehicle, which device comprises: a flexible and resilient pole having a first end and a second end, said pole being normally straight and bowed under tension to an arched position outwardly from said trailer or vehicle a selected vertical component wherein said pole will flex and deflect under force from loading equipment and material being loaded into said open top in an opposite direction up to an amount equal to said selected vertical component;   a first bracket and a second, opposed bracket, each said bracket attached to said trailer and having a non-cylindrical opening therein; and   a first socket and a second socket, each socket having a receptacle to receive one said pole end, each socket terminating in a non-cylindrical post receivable in one said opening to retain said sockets and said pole and to prevent radial movement of said post, and to retain said pole in said arched position.   
     
     
       2. A tarpaulin support device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said post has an aperture to receive a cotter pin. 
     
     
       3. A tarpaulin support device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said receptacle extends at an obtuse angle to said post. 
     
     
       4. A tarpaulin support device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said bracket non-cylindrical opening has a square cross-section. 
     
     
       5. A tarpaulin support device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said bracket non-cylindrical opening has a hexagon cross section. 
     
     
       6. A tarpaulin support device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pole is circular in cross section and composed of a nylon composite. 
     
     
       7. A tarpaulin support device for a trailer or vehicle having a bottom, an open top and a pair of opposed side walls, which device comprises: a flexible and resilient pole having a first end and a second end, said pole bowed from a normally straight position under tension to an arched position outwardly from said trailer or vehicle a selected vertical component wherein said pole will flex and deflect under force from loading equipment and material being loaded into said open top in an opposite direction up to an amount equal to said selected vertical component;   a first socket for said first end and a second socket for said second end, each socket terminating in a post; and   means to secure each said post to one said side wall to allow axial movement of said post while prohibiting radial movement of said post and to retain said pole in said arched position.   
     
     
       8. A tarpaulin support device as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means to secure each said post includes a bracket secured to each said side wall each said bracket having a non-cylindrical opening and wherein each said post is non-cylindrical and is receivable in said bracket opening. 
     
     
       9. A tarpaulin support device as set forth in claim 7 wherein said first socket is at an obtuse angle to said post and said second socket is at an obtuse angle to said post. .Iadd. 
     
     
       10.  A tarpaulin support system for a trailer or vehicle having a bottom, an upper open top and a pair of side walls, comprising: a flexible and resilient pole having a first end and a second end, said pole being normally straight and bowed under tension to an arched upward position outwardly from said trailer or vehicle a selected vertical upward component wherein the pole can flex and deflect under force from material being loaded into the open top in an opposite, downward direction up to an amount equal to said selected vertical component;   first and second brackets, one for each of the opposed sidewalls; and   a tubular socket affixed to and extending from each of said brackets at a slightly upward tilt and towards the opposite side wall and adaptable to removably receive one end of said pole whereby said pole is supported in said arched position. .Iaddend.