Abstract:
A cargo bed cover apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a laterally opposed pair of first support post assemblies removably attachable to a cargo bed of the vehicle and a laterally opposed pair of second support post assemblies removably attachable to the cargo bed of the vehicle, the pair of second support assemblies being longitudinally opposed to the pair of first support post assemblies. The apparatus further includes a pair of side panels extending between and connected to longitudinally opposed pairs of the first support post assemblies and the second support post assemblies and a pair of end panels extending between and connected to the laterally opposed pairs of the first support post assemblies and the second support post assemblies.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a continuation-in-part of, was first described in, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/976,150, filed Apr. 7, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to vehicle cargo beds and, more particularly, to an adjustable cargo top configured to connect to and fit over a cargo bed of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     With sales at an all-time high, the popularity of the pick-up style truck as an everyday vehicle is more wide spread than it ever has been. Their utility and convenience in hauling items coupled with the availability of luxury interiors and extended cab space have made the pickup a popular alternative to other vehicles. The availability of aftermarket accessories also enhances the attractiveness of pickup trucks as well. 
     Perhaps one (1) of the most common accessories is that of a truck cap, which covers and protects the entire cargo bed area. While such an accessory does wonders for protecting bed contents, it is basically a permanent change to the functionality of the truck. While it can be removed to return the truck bed to open air use, it is time consuming process to apply and remove, and often requires the help of one (1) or two (2) additional people. Finally, such bed caps are relatively expensive, especially if they are only really needed on an infrequent basis. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the functionality of a pickup truck cap can be provided in a manner which addresses the abovementioned shortcomings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a cargo bed cover that provides pick-up truck owners all of the benefits of a conventional truck bed cap without the associated cost or disadvantages. The development of the present invention, which will be described in greater detail herein, substantially departs from conventional solutions to fulfill this need. 
     In one (1) embodiment, the disclosed cargo bed cover apparatus for a vehicle includes support post assemblies attachable to a cargo bed of the vehicle, and panels extending between and connected to the support posts. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosed cargo bed cover apparatus for a vehicle includes a laterally opposed pair of first support post assemblies removably attachable to a cargo bed of the vehicle, a laterally opposed pair of second support post assemblies removably attachable to the cargo bed of the vehicle, the pair of second support assemblies being longitudinally opposed to the pair of first support post assemblies, a pair of side panels extending between and connected to longitudinally opposed pairs of the first support post assemblies and the second support post assemblies, and a pair of end panels extending between and connected to the laterally opposed pairs of the first support post assemblies and the second support post assemblies. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the disclosed cargo bed cover for a vehicle with an upper portion extended, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2 a    is a perspective view of a first support post of the disclosed cargo bed cover, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2 b    is a perspective view of a second support post of the disclosed cargo bed cover, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2 c    is a partial section view of the first support post taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 3 a    is a perspective view of an interior of a side panel of the disclosed cargo bed cover illustrating a first cable and a second cable attached to a tensioning spring, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 b    is a perspective view of a spring clip of the interior of a side panel of  FIG. 3 a   , in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 c    is a partial perspective view of the tensioning spring of the interior of a side panel of  FIG. 3 a   , in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the disclosed cargo bed cover of  FIG. 1  with an upper portion collapsed; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the disclosed cargo bed cover, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6 a    is side view of an interior face of a rear panel of the disclosed cargo bed cover, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6 b    is a partial perspective view of a loop affixed to a top plate of a support post of the disclosed cargo bed cover, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exterior face of the rear panel of the disclosed cargo bed cover, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a top panel of the disclosed cargo bed cover, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the disclosed cargo bed cover, in accordance with one (1) embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a ventilation screen panel of the disclosed cargo bed cover of  FIG. 9 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  cargo bed cover 
               20   a  first support post 
               20   b  second support post 
               22  first tube 
               24  pocket insert 
               26  insert latch 
               28  latch button 
               32  latch spring 
               34  latch aperture 
               36  pocket plate 
               38  notch 
               42  second tube 
               44  pin 
               46  pin aperture 
               48  top plate 
               49  loop 
               52  third tube 
               54  fourth tube 
               56  outer retaining clip 
               57  inner retaining clip 
               58  clip aperture 
               60  side panel 
               62  cable tunnel 
               66  indicia 
               70   a  side cable assembly 
               70   b  end cable assembly 
               72  first cable 
               74  second cable 
               76  cable retainer 
               78  tensioning spring 
               80  hook-and-loop fastener 
               82  loop fastener 
               84  hook fastener 
               88  spring clip 
               90  end panel 
               100  top panel 
               102  canopy 
               104  crown 
               106  post covers 
               108  wear patch 
               112  spring clip 
               114  flex rod 
               116  rod guide 
               118  rod pocket 
               120  rear panel 
               122  retainer 
               124  interior face 
               126  exterior face 
               128  center opening 
               132  first flap 
               134  second flap 
               136  keeper tab 
               140  screen panel 
               142  end screen 
               144  side screen 
               200  stake pocket 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a one or more of the disclosed embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 10 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. 
     Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles and configurations can be incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and that the example configurations shown and described herein are for the purpose of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation. 
     As used herein, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1), as well as a plurality of, the referenced items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are used as labels to describe various elements, features, and/or components, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the referenced items, unless other indicated. For example, such terms may be used to distinguish one (1) element from another element. 
     As used herein, relative terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “upper”, “lower”, “horizontal”, or “vertical” are used to describe a relationship of one (1) element, feature and/or region to another element, feature and/or region as illustrated in the figures. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-10 , disclosing a cargo bed cover apparatus (herein referred to as the “apparatus”)  10  for a cargo bed area of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. Generally, in one (1) example embodiment, the disclosed apparatus  10  provides a pair of side panels  60  and a pair of end panels  80  attached to a plurality of first support posts  20   a  and second support posts  20   b  that form a protective barrier around the cargo bed of a pick-up truck in order to keep any items contained therein confined and shielded from road dirt. In another example embodiment, the apparatus  10  provides an additional top panel  90  that extends the protective barrier to include overhead protection from direct sun exposure or inclement weather. In yet another example embodiment, the apparatus  10  provides a plurality of screen panels  120  that can be utilized for ventilation when the vehicle is stationary. 
     It is understood that since some variation in the dimensions of cargo beds exists among different pick-up truck models that there must be a plurality of sizes implicit in the example embodiments of the disclosed apparatus  10  without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As used herein, the terms “front” and “back” or “rear” are used relative to the front and back/rear directions of the vehicle to which the disclosed apparatus  10  may be attached, whereas the terms “right” and “left” are used relative to the operator of the vehicle positioned in the driver&#39;s seat. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the disclosed apparatus  10  includes a pair of first support posts  20   a  and a pair of second support posts  20   b , each capable of being inserted and secured into the stake pockets  200  ( FIG. 2 c   ) of a cargo bed of a pick-up truck, a pair of flexible side panels  60 , and a pair of flexible end panels  80  attached to the posts  20   a ,  20   b.    
     The first support posts  20   a  and the second support posts  20   b  are configured to be mirror images of each other. Each first support post  20   a  includes a first (e.g., lower) tube  22  and a second (e.g., upper) tube  42 , which are preferably composed of square metal tubes having the appropriate cross-sectional dimensions for a lower end of the first tube  22  to be accommodated within a pick-up truck cargo bed stake pocket  200  and for the second tube  42  to be accommodated within an upper portion of the first tube  22  with a sliding fit. 
     The second support posts  20   b  is similarly configured to have a third (e.g., lower) tube  52  of the same size and cross-section as the first tube  22  capable of fitting within a stake pocket  200  and a fourth (e.g., upper) tube  54  of the same size and construction as the second tube  42  capable of fitting within the third tube  52 . 
     The first tube  22 , the second tube  42 , the third tube  52 , and the fourth tube  54  are preferably composed of aluminum in order to advantageously exploit the lower density and lighter weight of that material in comparison with some other metals; however, other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The second tubes  42  and the fourth tubes  54  are closed at the top by the attachment of top plates  48 . The top plate  48  is configured to be a square plate with rounded or chamfered corners, of the same constituent material as the second tube  42 , fastened, preferably by welding, to the inner walls of the second tubes  42  and the fourth tubes  54 . 
     The second tube  42  and the fourth tube  54  are constrained at a full height relationship within the first tube  22  and in the third tube  52 , respectively, by means of a pin  44  inserted through aligned pin apertures  46  in each of the tubes  22 ,  42 ,  52 , and  54 . The pin  44  is preferably an “L”-shaped cylindrical rod having sufficient shear strength to maintain the first support posts  20   a  and the second support posts  20   b  in the expanded configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The pin  44  may be provided with any of a variety of mechanisms, such as a spring loaded retention ball, to hold the pin  44  in the pin apertures  46 . When the pin  44  is removed from the pin apertures  46  of the first support post  20   a , the second tube  42  can be lowered to wholly fit within the first tube  22 . In this configuration the pin aperture (not shown) in the second tube  42  will preferably be in alignment with another pin aperture  46  located at a lower elevation in the first tube  22  and the pin  44  can be reinserted for storage. The second support post  20   b  can be shortened in a similar manner. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   , the first tube  22  and the third tube  52  may be modified at the lower ends, such as by the incorporation of additional plates or other material, to have a pocket insert  24  that would conform to the dimensions of the stake pocket  200  and could more easily be accommodated therein. The upper ends of the first tube  22  and the third tube  52  would remain unmodified to facilitate the insertion of the second tube  42  within the first tube  22  and of the fourth tube  54  within the third tube  52 . 
     The lower ends of the first tube  22  and the third tube  52  would also be configured to include an insert latch  26  in each to keep the pocket insert  24  retained within the stake pocket  200 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 c   . The insert latch  26  would preferably be some projection from the pocket insert  24 , through a latch aperture  34  in the side of the tube  22 ,  52  oriented toward the cargo bed, to be held in position by a latch spring  32 . The insert latch  24  would be disengaged by depressing a latch button  28  in order for the respective first tube  22  or third tube  52  to be released from the stake pocket  200 . 
     A pocket plate  36  is attached to each of the first tube  22  and the third tube  52 , preferably by welding, at a point just above the pocket insert  24  in order to limit the insertion of each tube  22 ,  52  into the stake pockets  200 . The pocket plate  36  is preferably configured to be a flat plate having length and width dimensions somewhat larger than those of the stake pocket  200  and an aperture (not shown) that would accommodate the profile of the first tube  22  and the third tube  52 . 
     An outer retaining clip  56  is attached, preferably by welding, to a lower end of a first tube  22 . The outer retaining clip  56  is generally a triangular-shaped plate provided with a centrally located clip aperture  58  for the insertion of a spring clip  88 . The outer retaining clip  56  is attached in proximity to and above the pocket plate  36  to that face of the first tube  22 , which is oriented toward the third tube  52  along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and further, the outer retaining clip  56  is planar to that face of the first tube  22 , which is opposite from the cargo bed at a side thereof. 
     An inner retaining clip  57 , configured to be similar to the outer retaining clip  56 , is attached to the same first tube  22  in proximity to and above the pocket plate  36  on a face of that first tube  22 , which is oriented toward the third tube  52  along the transverse axis of the vehicle, and further, the inner retaining clip  57  is planar to that face of the first tube  22 , which is opposite from the cargo bed at an end thereof and oriented perpendicular to the outer retaining clip  56 . 
     Another outer retaining clip  56  and inner retaining clip  57  are attached to the first tube  22  in proximity to the upper end thereof and in the same orientation as the previously discussed outer retaining clip  56  and inner retaining clip  57 . 
     A third outer retaining clip  56  and a third inner retaining clip  57  are attached at an upper end of the second tube  42 ; the second tube  42  being fitted into the first tube  22 . This third outer retaining clip  56  and inner retaining clip  57  are oriented in the same manner as the previously discussed outer retaining clips  56  and inner retaining clips  57 . 
     As previously stated, the second support post  20   b  is a mirror image of the first support post  20   a ; therefore, the three (3) outer retaining clips  56  and the three (3) inner retaining clips  57  disposed on the third tube  52  and the fourth tube  54  are configured in a mirrored fashion, as illustrated in  FIG. 2   a.    
     Disposed at an upper end of each first tube  22  and each third tube  52  is a pair of notches  38  in proximity to the outer retaining clip  56  and the inner retaining clip  57 . These notches  38  are sized to accommodate the insertion of the outer retaining clip  56  and the inner retaining clip  57  attached to the upper ends of the second tube  42  and the fourth tube  54  when the upper portion of the apparatus  10  is collapsed, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , and the second tube  42  is stored within the first tube  22  and the fourth tube  54  is stored within the third tube  52 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 a   , the side panels  60  are preferably composed of a rectangular sheet of canvas and provided with a hem on all sides to prevent raveling. The canvas may be further treated to inhibit the absorption of water. Other materials, such as a reinforced polymer sheeting, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Disposed on an interior surface of the side panels  60  is a plurality of cable tunnels  62  corresponding to the points of attachment to the support posts  20   a ,  20   b . The cable tunnels  62  are configured to be strips of canvas, or other material utilized in the side panel  60 , doubled over and stitched, or otherwise fastened, to the length of the side panel  60 . The side panels  60  are configured to be installed along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle on either side of the cargo bed. 
     The end panels  90  are similar in construction to the side panels  60  with some variation possible in the length thereof. The end panels  90  are configured to be installed along the lateral axis of the vehicle at the front and the rear of the cargo bed. 
     A side cable assembly  70   a  is routed through each of the cable tunnels  62  attached to the side panels  60  while an end cable assembly  70   b  is routed through each of the cable tunnels  62  in the end panels  90 . The side cable assembly  70   a  and the end cable assembly  70   b  each consist of a tensioning spring  78  to which a first cable  72  and a second cable  74  are attached. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 c   , the tensioning spring  78  is configured to be a coiled tension spring with a closed eye  82  at either end. The first cable  72  is attached at a first end of the tensioning spring  78  by passing a first end of the first cable  72  through the closed eye  82 , forming a loop  84  in the first cable  72  with the eye  82  captured therein, and securing the loop  84  with a cable retainer  76 . The cable retainer  76  is preferably a malleable metal ring that can be deformed around the loop  84  ends of the first cable  72  thereby affixing the loop  84 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 b   , a spring clip  88 , also known as a carabiner, is attached in a loop  84  with a cable retainer  76  at a second end of the first cable  72 . The second cable  74  is similarly attached to a second end of the tensioning spring  78  with another spring clip  88  attached in a loop  84  at a second end of the second cable  74 . The spring clips  88  are then fastened into the clip aperture  58  of the appropriate outer retaining clip  56 , or inner retaining clip  57 , attached to a first support post  20   a , or a second support post  20   b , in order to suspend the side panels  60 , or the end panels  90 , on the apparatus  10 . The purpose of the tensioning spring  78  connecting the first cable  72  and the second cable  74  is to keep the cable assembly  70   a ,  70   b  taut while suspended between the respective retaining clips  56 ,  57 . The sequence followed in the connection of spring clips  88  to outer retaining clips  56  or to inner retaining clips  57  is herein stated for clarity and should not be seen as limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     It is envisioned that some surface portions of one (1), or both, side panels  60  may contain various indicia  66 , which may provide script or logos based upon a marketing preference and may include images such as, but not limited to, a product logo, preferred product assembly or use instructions, symbols, lines, pictures, and the like, in various colors and patterns, to further customize the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a collapsed configuration of the apparatus  10  can be achieved because of the preferred method of construction presented herein. The procedure for assembling the apparatus  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4  would be to install a first tube  22  into the front stake pocket  200  on the right side of the cargo bed by placing the pocket insert  24  into the stake pocket  200  and engaging the insert latch  26 . Then installing the pocket insert  24  of another first tube  22  unto the rear stake pocket  200  on the left side of the vehicle and engage the insert latch  26 . Then installing a third tube  52  into each of the remaining two (2) front and rear stake pockets  200  and engage the insert latch  26 . Then installing a second tube  42  entirely into each of the first tubes  22  aligning the outer retaining clip  56  and the inner retaining clip  57  at the upper end of each second tube  42  with the notches  38  in the upper ends of the first tubes  22  and insert the pins  44  into the aligned pin apertures  46 . 
     The outer retaining clip  56  at the upper end of the second tube  42  will be side-by-side with the outer retaining clip  56  at the upper end of the first tube  22  and the two (2) clip apertures  58  will be in alignment. The same condition will exist for the inner retaining clip  57  at the upper end of the first tube  22  and the inner retaining clip  57  at the upper end of the second tube  42 . The same procedure is used to install the fourth tubes  54  into the third tubes  52 . 
     A side panel  60  is unfolded and a side cable assembly  70   a  is threaded into each of the lower two (2) cable tunnels  62 . A spring clip  88  attached to the first cable  72  of the bottom-most side cable assembly  70   a  is connected into the lowest outer retaining clip  56  attached to the first tube  22  located on the right side of the cargo bed by displacing the throat latch of the spring clip  88  and inserting the open hook into the clip aperture  58  making certain that the cable tunnel  62  is oriented toward the cargo bed. 
     The spring clip  88  is constructed such that the spring biased throat latch will close upon the open hook when the throat latch is released. 
     The tensioning spring  78  of the bottom-most side cable assembly  70   a  is expanded by exerting a tension force upon the second cable  74  (e.g., pull the second cable  74  away from the first cable  72 ) and connecting the spring clip  88  attached to that second cable  74  into the clip aperture  58  of the lowest outer retaining clip  56  attached to the third tube  52  located on the right side of the cargo bed. Connect the spring clip  88  attached to the first cable  72  of the side cable assembly  70   a , which is inserted into the middle cable tunnel  62  of the side panel  60  into the top outer retaining clip  56  attached to the first tube  22  and then into the outer retaining clip  56  attached to the second tube  42  located on the right side of the cargo bed by displacing the throat latch of the spring clip  88  and inserting the open hook first into one (1) clip aperture  58  and then the other clip aperture  58  again keeping the cable tunnel  62  oriented toward the cargo bed. Expand the tensioning spring  78  of the side cable assembly  70   a  in the middle cable tunnel  52  by exerting a tension force upon the second cable  74  and connect the spring clip  88  attached to that second cable  74  into the clip aperture  58  of the upper-most outer retaining clip  56  attached to the third tube  52  and then into the clip aperture  58  of the outer retaining clip  56  attached to the upper end of the fourth tube  54  located on the right side of the cargo bed. 
     The remainder of the side panel  60  not presently supported by attachment to the first support post  20   a  and the second support post  20   b  will be folded over toward the cargo bed to hang freely. Provisions could be made to attach the unsupported upper portion of the side panel  60  to a location along the lower, supported portion of the same side panel  60  by the inclusion of tie straps or by other means of fastening, such as hook-and-loop fasteners  80 . 
     The attachment of a side panel  60  on the left side of the cargo bed, as well as the attachment of end panels  90  can be achieved with the utilization of similar side cable assemblies  70   a  and end cable assemblies  70   b  engaged in outer retaining clips  56 , or inner retaining clips  57 , in a manner detailed in the previous discussion. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , in another example embodiment of the disclosed apparatus  10  includes a top panel  100  with some attachment means, such as hook-and-loop fasteners  80  (e.g., VELCRO®) to the apparatus  10 . The first support posts  20   a  and the second support posts  20   b  are modified to include a loop  49  ( FIG. 6 b   ) attached to the top of second tubes  22  and to the fourth tubes  54 . The loop  49  is preferably configured to be an elliptical metal ring disposed in the same plane as the top plate  48  and attached along some portion of the periphery so as to project toward the interior of the cargo bed. Other embodiments of the loop  49  may take on other shapes, such as circular, or circular with a projecting shank or stem, without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     The side panels  60  include strip segments of a hook fastener  84  of a hook-and-loop fastener  80  attached along the side and top edges of the exterior surface. A single end panel  90 , positioned along the front of the cargo bed, is utilized in this example embodiment. This end panel  90  is adapted to include strip segments of a hook fastener  84  of a hook-and-loop fastener  80  attached along the side and top edges of the exterior surface much the same as the side panels  60 . 
     In another example embodiment, a rear panel  120  configured to be positioned along the rear edge of the cargo bed is substituted for the previously supported end panel  90 . The rear panel  120  is preferably longer than an end panel  90  by an amount approximately equivalent to the depth of the cargo bed. This configuration allows the rear panel  120  to contact the bottom of the cargo bed and still provide a cover for the rear of the cargo bed when the pick-up tailgate is lowered. The rear panel  120  is provided with a single cable tunnel  62  in proximity to the top of the interior face  126  corresponding to the points of attachment to the inner retaining clip  57  at the top of the second support post  20   b  on the right, rear corner of the cargo bed and the inner retaining clip  57  at the top of the first support post  20   a  on the left, rear corner of the cargo bed. 
     An end cable assembly  70   b  is threaded through the cable tunnel  62  attached to the rear panel  120  and attached in the inner retaining clips  57 . Additional spring clips  88  are attached, by means of retainers  122 , to the interior face  126  of the rear panel  120  along either side at locations that correspond to the attachment points of the inner retaining clips  57  on the upper and lower ends of the first tube  22  and the third tube  52 . The retainers  122  are preferably configured to be strips of canvas, or other constituent material of the rear panel  120 , stitched at a first end and at a second end to the interior face  126  of the rear panel  120  with a spring clip  88  captured between the retainer  122  and the material of the rear panel  120 . The spring clips are then attached to the inner retaining clips  57  to secure the rear panel  120  to the first support post  20   a  and the second support post  20   b . The lower end of the rear panel  120  could be provided with magnets sewn into a hem in order to hold that edge in contact with the bottom surface of the cargo bed. 
     The rear panel  120  would be provided with strip segments of a hook fastener  84  of a hook-and-loop fastener  80  attached along the side and top edges of the exterior face  124 . 
     The rear panel is preferably configured to have a center opening  128 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 a   . The center opening  128  would be an overlapping of the hemmed material of a first flap  132  onto a proportionally equal second flap  134  of the rear panel  120 , which would provide an opening to permit the ingress and egress of a user to the interior of the cargo bed. The center opening  128  could be provided with a closure to selectively limit the ingress of nuisance insects, dust, or the like to promote a more hospitable environment within the enclosure. The closure could take the form of fabric ties or strips of hook-and-loop fasteners  80  located along some portion of the hemmed edges. 
     The rear panel  120  is provided with at least one (1) keeper tab  136  to retain the material of the first flap  132 , or of the second flap  134 , at a position in closer proximity to the support post  20   a  or  20   b  located on that side of the center opening  128 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . A plurality of keeper tabs  136  may also be utilized to gather the first flap  132  and the second flap  134  to that respective side of the center opening  128  in order to provide a wider passageway through the rear panel  120 . The keeper tab  136  is configured to be a strip of canvas, or other constituent material of the rear panel  120 , attached at a first end, preferably by stitching, to some point along the interior face  126  near an edge of the rear panel  120  with a segment of a loop fastener  82 , or a hook fastener  84 , disposed at a second end thereof. The material of the subject flap  132 ,  134  would be gathered toward that respective side of the cargo bed and the keeper tab  136  would be manipulated to encircle the gathered material to ultimately have the segment of hook-and-loop fastener  80  disposed at the second end of the keeper tab  136  be engaged with a complimentary segment of hook-and-loop fastener  80  attached to the exterior face  126  of the rear panel  120 . In the event that plurality of keeper tabs  136  is provided on the rear panel  120 , a user could selectively engage multiple keeper tabs  136  to secure a passageway. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the top panel  100  includes a canopy  102  with a crown  104 , and a plurality of post covers  104 . The top panel  100  is preferably composed of a plurality of pieces of a canvas material stitched together to form a single piece provided with a hem along all edges to prevent raveling. The canvas may be further treated to inhibit the absorption of water. Other materials, such as reinforced poly sheeting, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Disposed in each of the four (4) corners of an interior side of the canopy  102 , in alignment with the upper ends of the support posts  20   a ,  20   b , is a wear patch  108 . The purpose of the wear patch  108  is to reduce the likelihood of having any of the support posts  20   a ,  20   b  wear a hole into the material of the top panel  100  due to vibration or any other relative motion between the support posts  20   a ,  20   b  and the canopy  102 . The wear patch  108  is composed of a material having improved abrasion resistance in comparison to the material utilized in the top panel  100 , such as leather or a rubber, or rubber-like, compound. The wear patch  108  could also be a plurality of layers of the same, or similar, material as the canopy  102  without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Also disposed upon the interior surface of the top panel  100 , in proximity to each of the wear patches  108 , are four (4) spring clips  112 . The spring clips  112  are located such that when the top panel  100  is assembled properly onto the apparatus  10  the spring clips  112  will be in alignment with the loops  49  on each of the support posts  20   a ,  20   b  and can be connected to secure the top panel  100  in place. The spring clips  112  are preferably attached to the interior of the canopy  102  in much the same manner as the spring clips  88  are attached to the end panel  120 , with retainers  122 . 
     The canopy  102  is fitted with a plurality of flex rods  114  that are longer than the width of the top panel  100  such that when the flex rods  114  are inserted into a row of aligned rod guides  116  and into the rod pockets  118 , the canopy  102  will be formed as a convex dome so as to resist the puddling of rain water thereon. Preferably, one (1) flex rod  114  will be located near the front end of the canopy  102  while another flex rod  114  will be located near the rear of the canopy  102  and all other flex rods  114  will be located in an evenly spaced pattern between the front and the rear. 
     The flex rods  114  are preferably flexible, fiberglass rods of a uniform diameter. It is understood that other materials may be utilized, such as other composite materials with high flexural strength, without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     The rod guides  116  are configured to be a plurality of canvas sleeves, or other material utilized in the fabrication of the canopy  102 , attached to the canopy  102  in rows on some uniform pattern along a lateral axis to contain the flex rods  114  in a manner to affect the intended convex arch. The rod pockets  118  are configured to be closed sleeves located at the longitudinal sides of the canopy  102  so as to capture and constrain the ends of the flex rods  114  in a manner which would cause the flex rods  114  to bow upwardly. 
     The top panel  100  is provided with a crown  104  that will include any vertical surface of the top panel superjacent to a post cover  106 . The crown  104  at the front and the rear of the cargo bed is generally semi-circular due to the arch in the canopy  102 . Some vertical surface will be presented along the longitudinal sides of the canopy  102  due to configuring the top panel  100  to overlap the side panels  60  in order to form the preferred attachment. 
     A strip segment of loop fastener  82  of a hook-and-loop fastener  80  will be disposed along the interior surface of the crown  104  in proximity to a lower edge thereof in order to engage the complimentary hook fastener  84  segments at the top edges of the side panels  60 , the end panel  90 , and the rear panel  120 . 
     The post covers  106  of the top panel  100  are each configured to be a corner piece of material with a first vertical planar portion being perpendicular to a second vertical planar portion. As previously mentioned the post covers  106  are connected to the top cover subjacent to the crown  104 . A strip segment of loop fastener  82  of a hook-and-loop fastener  80  is disposed along the interior surface of each vertical planar portion of the post covers  106  in proximity to that edge that is opposite from the included angle. The loop fastener  82  segments on the faces of each post cover  106  will engage into the complimentary hook fastener  84  segments disposed along the side edges of the side panels  60 , the end panel  90 , and the rear panel  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in another example embodiment, the disclosed apparatus  10  includes a screen panels  140  with some attachment means, such as hook-and-loop fasteners  80  (e.g., VELCRO®). Additional segments of a hook fastener  84  of a hook-and-loop fastener  80  would be attached along the exterior surfaces of the end panel  90  and each of the side panels  60  at a location corresponding to just under the middle cable tunnel  62 . 
     The screen panels  140  are configured to be an open mesh, woven polymer fabric utilizing a large gauge filament and provided with a wide canvas hem, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . It is understood that other materials and other configurations may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Strip segments of a hook fastener  84  of a hook-and-loop fastener  80  would be attached along the exterior surfaces of the side hems and the upper hem of each screen panel  140 . A strip segment of a loop fastener  82  is attached along the interior surface of the bottom hem of each screen panel  140 . An end screen  142  would be used to replace an upper portion of the end panel  140  located the front of the cargo bed while side screens  144  would be used to replace an upper portion of the side panels  60 . The upper side cable assemblies  70   a  on each side of the cargo bed would be detached from the upper outer retaining clips  56  and, after releasing all of the hook-and-loop fasteners  80  securing the top portion of the side panels  60  to the top panel  100 , the upper portion of each side panel  60  would be folded down toward the interior of the cargo bed. The side screens  144  could then be installed and secured with the hook-and-loop fasteners  80  to the top panel  100  and to the side panels  60 . 
     Similarly, the upper end cable assembly  70   b  on the end panel at the front of the cargo bed would be detached from the inner retaining clips  57  and, after releasing all of the hook-and-loop fasteners  80  securing the top portion of the end panel  90  to the top panel  100 , the upper portion of the end panel would be folded down toward the interior of the cargo bed. The end screen  142  could then be installed and secured with the hook-and-loop fasteners  80  to the top panel  100  and to the end panel  90 . 
     Provisions could be made to attach the unsupported upper portion of the side panel  60  and of the end panel  90  to a location along the lower, supported portion of the same panel  60 ,  90  by the inclusion of tie straps or by other means of fastening, such as hook-and-loop fasteners  80 . 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles and configurations of the disclosed apparatus  10  can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only particular configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The example embodiments of the disclosed apparatus can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     One example of the disclosed method for installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring a model of the apparatus  10  having a desired size to be accommodated on the user&#39;s vehicle; installing a first tube  22  into the front stake pocket  200  on the right side of the cargo bed by placing the pocket insert  24  into the stake pocket  200 ; engaging the insert latch  26 ; installing the pocket insert  24  of another first tube  22  unto the rear stake pocket  200  on the left side of the vehicle; engaging the insert latch  26 ; installing a third tube  52  into each of the remaining two (2) front and rear stake pockets  200 ; engaging the insert latch  26 ; installing a lower end of a second tube  42  into an upper end of each of the first tubes  22  aligning the outer retaining clip  56  and the inner retaining clip  57  at the upper end of each second tube  42  with the outer retaining clip  56  and the inner retaining clip  57  at the upper ends of the first tubes  22 ; inserting the pins  44  into the aligned pin apertures  46 ; installing a lower end of a fourth tube  54  into an upper end of each of the third tubes  52  aligning the outer retaining clip  56  and the inner retaining clip  57  at the upper end of each fourth tube  54  with the outer retaining clip  56  and the inner retaining clip  57  at the upper ends of the third tubes  52 ; inserting the pins  44  into the aligned pin apertures  46 ; unfolding a side panel  60 ; threading a side cable assembly  70   a  into each of the cable tunnels  62 ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to the first cable  72  of the bottom-most side cable assembly  70   a  into the lowest outer retaining clip  56  attached to the first tube  22  located on the right side of the cargo bed by displacing the throat latch of the spring clip  88 ; inserting the open hook of the spring clip  88  into the clip aperture  58  of the outer retaining clip  56  making certain that the cable tunnel  62  is oriented toward the cargo bed; expanding the tensioning spring  78  of the bottom-most side cable assembly  70   a  by exerting a tension force upon the second cable  74 ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to that second cable  74  into the clip aperture  58  of the lowest outer retaining clip  56  attached to the third tube  52  located on the right side of the cargo bed; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to the first cable  72  of the side cable assembly  70   a , which is inserted into the middle cable tunnel  62  of the side panel  60 , into the top outer retaining clip  56  attached to the first tube  22  located on the right side of the cargo bed by displacing the throat latch of the spring clip  88 ; inserting the open hook of the spring clip  88  into the clip aperture  58 , again keeping the cable tunnel  62  oriented toward the cargo bed; expanding the tensioning spring  78  of the side cable assembly  70   a  in the middle cable tunnel  52  by exerting a tension force upon the second cable  74 ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to that second cable  74  into the clip aperture  58  of the upper-most outer retaining clip  56  attached to the third tube  52  located on the right side of the cargo bed; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to the first cable  72  of the upper-most side cable assembly  70   a  into the upper outer retaining clip  56  attached to the second tube  22  located on the right side of the cargo bed; expanding the tensioning spring  78  of the upper-most side cable assembly  70   a ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to that second cable  74  into the clip aperture  58  of the upper outer retaining clip  56  attached to the fourth tube  54  located on the right side of the cargo bed; repeating the procedure for the installation of side cable assemblies  70   a  into the side panel  60  on the opposite side of the cargo bed; repeating the procedure for the installation of side cable assemblies  70   a  into the outer retaining clips  56  disposed upon the first support post  20   a  and the second support post  20   b  on that opposite side of the cargo bed; unfolding an end panel  90 ; inserting end cable assemblies  70   b  into each of the cable tunnels  62  of the end panel  90 ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to the first cable  72  of the bottom-most end cable assembly  70   b  into the lowest inner retaining clip  57  attached to the third tube  52  located on the left side of the cargo bed making certain that the cable tunnel  62  is oriented toward the cargo bed; expanding the tensioning spring  78  of the bottom-most end cable assembly  70   b ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to that second cable  74  into the clip aperture  58  of the lowest inner retaining clip  57  attached to the first tube  22  located on the right side of the cargo bed; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to the first cable  72  of the end cable assembly  70   b , which is inserted into the middle cable tunnel  62  of the end panel  90 , into the top inner retaining clip  57  attached to the third tube  52  located on the left side of the cargo bed; inserting the open hook into the clip aperture  58 , again keeping the cable tunnel  62  oriented toward the cargo bed; expanding the tensioning spring  78  of the end cable assembly  70   b  in the middle cable tunnel  52  by exerting a tension force upon the second cable  74 ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to that second cable  74  into the clip aperture  58  of the upper-most inner retaining clip  57  attached to the first tube  22  located on the right side of the cargo bed; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to the first cable  72  of the upper-most end cable assembly  70   b  into the upper inner retaining clip  57  attached to the fourth tube  54  located on the left side of the cargo bed; expanding the tensioning spring  78  of the upper-most end cable assembly  70   a ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to the second cable  74  into the clip aperture  58  of the upper inner retaining clip  57  attached to the second tube  42  located on the right side of the cargo bed; repeating the procedure for the installation of end cable assemblies  70   b  into the end panel  90  on the rear of the cargo bed; repeating the procedure for the installation of end cable assemblies  70   b  into the inner retaining clips  57  disposed upon the first support post  20   a  and the second support post  20   b  on the rear of the cargo bed; and placing the desired items into the cargo bed and transporting those items to the desired location. 
     It can be appreciated that the operational steps may be performed in alternative order and as such any operational description of use should not be viewed as a limiting factor. 
     The apparatus  10  may be removed from the vehicle by reversing the previous procedure. The method of installing the apparatus  10  to conform to the illustration in  FIG. 4  is detailed herein above. 
     Another example of the disclosed method for utilizing the alternate embodiment of the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring a model of the apparatus  10  having a desired size to be accommodated on the user&#39;s vehicle; following the previously detailed procedure for the installation of first support posts  20   a , second support posts  20   b , side panels  60 , and a front end panel  90 ; unfolding the rear panel  120 ; inserting an end cable assembly  70   b  into the cable tunnel  62  located at the top of the rear panel  120 ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to the first cable  72  of the end cable assembly  70   b  into the upper inner retaining clip  57  attached to the second tube  42  located on the left side of the cargo bed; expanding the tensioning spring  78  of the end cable assembly  70   a ; connecting the spring clip  88  attached to the second cable  74  into the clip aperture  58  of the upper inner retaining clip  57  attached to the fourth tube  56  located on the right side of the cargo bed; connecting the spring clips  88 , which are attached to the alternate rear panel  120  by means of retainers  122 , to the corresponding inner retaining clips  57  of the first tube  22  and of the third tube  52  at the rear of the cargo bed; placing the top panel  100  over the previously installed framework and panels  60 ,  90 ,  120 ; inserting a flex rod  114  from the right side of the cargo bed to the left side thereof through an aligned row of rod guides; inserting the end of the flex rod  114  into the corresponding rod pocket  118  on the left side of the canopy  102 ; grasping the right side of the canopy at a location in close proximity to the corresponding rod pocket  118  on that side of the canopy  102 ; forcing the flex rod  114  against the rod pocket  118  at the left side of the canopy  102  so as to cause the center of the flex rod  114  to deflect upwardly thus decreasing the projected length thereof to ultimately insert the unrestrained end of the flex rod  114  into the rod pocket  118  at the right side of the canopy  102 ; repeating the requisite previous steps necessary to insert any remaining flex rods  114 ; securing the top spring clips  112  attached to the canopy  102  to the top loops  49  located on the first support posts  20   a  and the second support posts  20   b ; securing the loop fasteners  82  attached to the top panel  100  with the hook fasteners  84  attached to the side panels  60 , the end panel  90 , and the rear panel  120 ; placing the desired items into the cargo bed; closing and securing the center opening  128  of the rear panel  120 ; transporting the selected items and passengers to the intended destination; parking the vehicle; and participating in the desired activities while having the benefit of utilizing the sheltered space within the cargo bed or the items stored therein. 
     The center opening  128  of the rear panel  120  can be selectively opened, closed, or retained in an open configuration as previously described in order to access the sheltered space within the cargo bed or the items stored therein. The apparatus  10  may be removed from the vehicle by reversing the previous procedure. 
     Another example of the disclosed method for utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring a model of the apparatus  10  having a desired size to be accommodated on the user&#39;s vehicle; following the previously detailed procedure for the installation of the apparatus  10  onto the vehicle; detaching the upper side cable assemblies  70   a  on each side of the cargo bed from the upper outer retaining clips  56 ; releasing all of the hook-and-loop fasteners  80  securing the top portion of the side panels  60  to the top panel  100 ; folding down the upper portion of each side panel  60  toward the interior of the cargo bed; installing the side screens  144 ; securing the side screens  144  to the top panel  100  and to the side panels  60  with the hook-and-loop fasteners  80 ; detaching the upper end cable assembly  70   b  on the end panel at the front of the cargo bed from the inner retaining clips  57 ; releasing all of the hook-and-loop fasteners  80  securing the top portion of the end panel  90  to the top panel  100 ; folding down the upper portion of the end panel toward the interior of the cargo bed; installing the end screen  142 ; securing the end screen  142  to the top panel  100  and to the end panel  90  with the hook-and-loop fasteners  80 ; and participating in the desired activities while having the benefit of utilizing the ventilated space within the cargo bed or the items stored therein. 
     The screen panels  140  may be installed at any time prior to departing to the destination or after arriving at the destination. The screen panels  140  may be removed from the device by reversing the previous procedure. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.