Abstract:
An adjustable canopy bracket for adjustably supporting a canopy to a roll bar of a vehicle, including a lower bracket plate securely positionable about a lower portion of a roll bar member of the roll bar; an upper bracket plate securely positionable about an upper portion of the roll bar member, the upper bracket plate engageable with a forward portion of the canopy; and an adjustable height mechanism engageable with a rearward portion of the canopy, the adjustable height mechanism operable with a rearward portion of the upper bracket plate, wherein adjusting the adjustable height mechanism raises and lowers the rearward portion of the canopy to provide a desired angle of the canopy relative to the roll bar member. An adjustable canopy for attaching to a roll bar of a vehicle is also disclosed and claimed.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates, in general, to adjustable brackets, in particular, to adjustable canopy brackets for a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Without limiting the scope of the present invention, its background will be described with reference to adjusting a canopy on a vehicle, as an example. 
         [0003]    Canopies are used on many vehicles, including farm equipment and the like. Typically, these vehicles include an external roll bar or structure that prevents injury to a user of the vehicle in the case of a rollover of the vehicle. Canopies are used on these vehicle types to provide shelter to a user from sunlight and inclement weather when operating the vehicle; canopies typically do not provide protection to a user of a vehicle from rollover events. Generally, these canopies are unibody or multi-body substantially planar structures that are affixed at their rearward end to the roll bar by a bracket and extend over the seat of the vehicle. 
         [0004]    These types of vehicles are manufactured by a many different manufacturers and accordingly, the roll bar systems employed are as varied. For example, some roll bar systems include roll bars made from square hollow structural section steel that extend in a circular or squared “loop” above the seat of the vehicle to provide the rollover protection to a user. These roll bars typically have an upper horizontal section that joins a vertical section or side on each side of the vehicle. The upper horizontal section and the two vertical sections collectively make up the roll bar. Typically, the lower end of the vertical sections of the roll bar are mounted to the vehicle body or chassis via brackets or mounts while the upper end of the vertical sections join the opposing ends of the horizontal section of the roll bar. Additionally, canopy brackets or mounts are affixed to the vertical sections of the roll bar for mounting the canopy to the roll bar. These canopy brackets also are designed individually to provide a desired horizontal canopy orientation such that the canopy is substantially horizontal relative to the ground. 
         [0005]    An angle is formed between the longitudinal axis of the vertical sections of the roll bar and a substantially horizontal reference plane or axis. This referenced angle varies among the various vehicle manufacturers, because they do not have a uniform or standard angle for the vertical sections of the roll bars. This angle may be substantially perpendicular to a horizontal reference axis or may be slightly tilted or inclined relative to a horizontal reference axis depending on a particular manufacturer. To provide a substantially horizontal orientation of a canopy in view of the many differently angled vertical sections of roll bars, a large number of brackets are required for different types of vehicles and roll bar orientations to provide the desired positioning and orientation of a canopy. This creates a need to supply large numbers of brackets to fit a wide range of different roll bars such that a canopy is oriented at a substantially horizontal orientation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention disclosed herein is directed to adjustable canopy brackets for a vehicle (“adjustable canopy brackets”). 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an adjustable canopy bracket for adjustably supporting a canopy to a roll bar of a vehicle, including a lower bracket plate securely positionable about a lower portion of a roll bar member of the roll bar; an upper bracket plate securely positionable about an upper portion of the roll bar member, the upper bracket plate engageable with a forward portion of the canopy; and an adjustable height mechanism engageable with a rearward portion of the canopy, the adjustable height mechanism operable with a rearward portion of the upper bracket plate, wherein adjusting the adjustable height mechanism raises and lowers the rearward portion of the canopy to provide a desired angle of the canopy relative to the roll bar member. 
         [0008]    In one aspect, the adjustable canopy bracket further may include a securing means for securing the lower bracket plate and the upper bracket plate to the roll bar member. In another aspect, the adjustable height mechanism may be a threaded bolt, a first end of the bolt engageable with the rearward portion of the canopy and a second end extending downwardly through the upper bracket plate. Additionally, the adjustable canopy bracket further includes one or more nuts disposed on the second end for providing locking engagement of the threaded bolt with the upper bracket plate. 
         [0009]    In still yet another aspect, the upper bracket plate may further include an upwardly extending tab disposed on the forward portion of the upper bracket plate engageable with the forward portion of the canopy. Also, the upper bracket plate and the lower bracket plate each may include an overlapping slot extending beyond the width of the roll bar member for accepting a first bolt on one side of the roll bar member and a second bolt on the opposing side of the roll bar member for securing the upper bracket plate to the roll bar member. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an adjustable canopy bracket for adjustably supporting a canopy to a roll bar of a vehicle, including a lower bracket plate securely positionable about a lower portion of a top member of a roll bar, the lower bracket plate having a first slot extending partially along the longitudinal axis for accepting a first bolt and a second bolt, the member roll bar interposed between the first and second bolt; an upper bracket plate securely positionable about an upper portion of a top member of a roll bar, the upper bracket plate having a second slot extending partially along the longitudinal axis that is common to and overlaps with the first slot, the upper bracket plate engageable with a forward portion of the canopy; a threaded bolt and an engaged locking nuts disposed about a rearward portion of the canopy, the threaded bolt operable with a rearward portion of the upper bracket plate, wherein adjusting the locking nuts raises and lowers the rearward portion of the canopy to provide a desired angle of the canopy relative to the top member of the roll bar. 
         [0011]    In one aspect, the adjustable canopy bracket may further include a third slot extending partially along the longitudinal axis of the upper bracket plate for accepting the threaded bolt. In another aspect, the third slot and second slot may be laterally offset. Additionally, the upper bracket plate further may include an upwardly extending tab disposed on the forward portion of the upper bracket plate engageable with the forward portion of the canopy. Further, the third slot may be disposed through a portion of the upper bracket plate that extends beyond the boundaries of the lower bracket plate. In addition, the one or more of the upper bracket plate and lower bracket plate may include outer periphery bent tab portions for structural rigidity. 
         [0012]    In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an adjustable canopy for attaching to a roll bar of a vehicle, including a canopy having one or more frame members; a lower bracket plate securely positionable about a lower portion of a roll bar member of the roll bar; an upper bracket plate securely positionable about an upper portion of the roll bar member, the upper bracket plate engageable with a forward portion of the one or more frame members; an adjustable height mechanism engageable with a rearward portion of the one or more frame members, the adjustable height mechanism operable with a rearward portion of the upper bracket plate, wherein adjusting the adjustable height mechanism raises and lowers the rearward portion of the canopy to provide a desired angle of the canopy relative to the roll bar member. 
         [0013]    In one aspect, the adjustable canopy bracket may further include a securing means for securing the lower bracket plate and the upper bracket plate to the roll bar member. Additionally, the adjustable height mechanism may be a threaded bolt, a first end of the threaded bolt engageable with the rearward portion of the one or more frame members and a second end extending downwardly through the upper bracket plate. Also, the adjustable canopy bracket may further include one or more nuts disposed on the second end for providing locking engagement of the threaded bolt with the upper bracket plate. In another aspect, the upper bracket plate further may include an upwardly extending tab disposed on the forward portion of the upper bracket plate engageable with the forward portion of the canopy. 
         [0014]    In still yet another aspect, the upper bracket plate and the lower bracket plate each may include an overlapping slot extending beyond the width of the roll bar member for accepting a first bolt on one side of the roll bar member and a second bolt on the opposing side of the roll bar member for securing the upper bracket plate to the roll bar member. Also, the upper bracket plate may further include a third slot that is disposed through a portion of the upper bracket plate that extends beyond the boundaries of the lower bracket plate, the third slot operable with the adjustable height mechanism for enabling movement therethrough by the adjustable height mechanism. The one or more of the upper bracket plate and lower bracket plate may include outer periphery bent tab portions for structural rigidity. 
         [0015]    In still yet another embodiment, the present adjustable canopy brackets is directed to an adjustable canopy bracket for adjustably supporting a canopy to a roll bar of a vehicle, including a front bracket plate securely positionable about a front portion of a roll bar member of the roll bar, the front bracket plate engageable with a forward portion of the canopy; a rear bracket plate securely positionable about a rear portion of the roll bar member,; and an adjustable height mechanism engageable with a rearward portion of the canopy, the adjustable height mechanism operable with the rear bracket plate, wherein adjusting the adjustable height mechanism raises and lowers the rearward portion of the canopy to provide a desired angle of the canopy relative to the roll bar member. 
         [0016]    In one aspect, the adjustable canopy bracket may further include a securing means for securing the front bracket plate and the rear bracket plate to the roll bar member. Also, the adjustable height mechanism may be a threaded bolt, a first end of the bolt engageable with the rearward portion of the canopy and a second end extending downwardly through the rear bracket plate. Further, the adjustable canopy bracket may further include one or more nuts disposed on the second end for providing locking engagement of the threaded bolt with the rear bracket plate. In another aspect, the front bracket plate may further include an upwardly extending tab disposed on the forward portion of the front bracket plate engageable with the forward portion of the canopy. In yet another aspect, the front bracket plate and the rear bracket plate each may include an overlapping slot extending beyond the width of the roll bar member for accepting a first bolt on one side of the roll bar member and a second bolt on the opposing side of the roll bar member for securing the front bracket plate and the rear bracket plate to the roll bar member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of adjustable canopy brackets affixed to a canopy and a roll bar of a vehicle to provide a desired horizontal position of the canopy on the vehicle according to an embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate partial cross sectional views of adjustable canopy brackets affixed to two roll bars having differently angled horizontal sections for providing a desired horizontal positioning of a canopy with each according to an embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates a rear view of adjustable canopy brackets affixed to a canopy and a roll bar of a vehicle according to an embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates an isometric view of adjustable canopy brackets according to an embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates an isometric view of adjustable canopy brackets attached to a roll bar of a vehicle according to an embodiment; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of adjustable canopy brackets affixed to a canopy and a roll bar of a vehicle according to another embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    While the making and using of various embodiments of the present adjustable canopy brackets are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present adjustable canopy brackets provide many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the adjustable canopy brackets, and do not delimit its scope. 
         [0025]    In the following description of the representative embodiments of the invention, directional terms, such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, etc., are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. In general, “above”, “upper”, “upward” and similar terms refer to a direction generally vertically upward from a particular element of a vehicle, mount, or ground, and “below”, “lower”, “downward” and similar terms refer to a direction generally vertically downward from a particular element of a vehicle or mount. Additionally, the term “vertical” and similar terms refer to a direction substantially perpendicular with the surface of the earth or some surface thereon, and the term “horizontal” and similar terms refer to a direction substantially parallel with the surface of the earth or some surface thereon. 
         [0026]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , therein is depicted a vehicle including adjustable canopy brackets embodying principles of the present adjustable canopy brackets that are schematically illustrated and generally designated  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle  52  includes a body, frame, or chassis  54  having an affixed roll bar  56  that includes two sides members  58   a,    58   b  (collectively side members  58 ) that are affixed to chassis and extend upwardly and terminate generally with a horizontal top member  60  of roll bar  56 . Although horizontal member  60  is generally shown as a horizontally linear member, any shape or sized top member  60 , including ellipsoidal, circular, bent, formed, shaped, and the like, is contemplated for mounting the present adjustable canopy brackets  100 . Additionally, affixing a canopy  62  to roll bar  56  is adjustable canopy brackets  100 . 
         [0027]    Referring next to  FIG. 2A , therein is depicted adjustable canopy brackets  100  affixed to canopy  62  and top member  60 . An angle θ 1  is formed between a lateral cross sectional axis  202  of  60  and a substantially horizontal reference point  204 . Referring now to  FIG. 2B , therein is depicted adjustable canopy brackets  100  affixed to canopy  62  and top member  60 . In this embodiment, a different angle β 2  is formed between lateral cross sectional axis  202  of  60  and horizontal reference point  204 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2A , angle β 1  is greater than angle β 2  of  FIG. 2B , yet adjustable canopy brackets  100  position and support canopy  62  in both embodiments is substantially parallel to horizontal reference point  204 . Adjustable canopy brackets  100  are adjustable such that they support and position canopy  62  substantially parallel to horizontal reference point  204  when affixed to many different top members  60  having differently angled lateral cross sectional axis  202 . 
         [0028]    Adjustable canopy brackets  100  provide adjustable support and position means such that canopy  62  will be substantially horizontal or any other desired angle relative to horizontal reference point  204  when affixed to any top member  60  having lateral cross sectional axis  202  of any angle. Preferably, in one embodiment, adjustable canopy brackets  100  provide support and position of canopy when affixed to top member  60  having lateral cross sectional axis  202  from about 55 degrees to about 95 degrees relative to horizontal reference point  204 . Although,  FIGS. 2A-2B  show canopy  62  in a substantially horizontal position, adjustable canopy brackets  100  may provide any desirable angle for canopy  62 . 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , two adjustable canopy brackets  100  are shown affixing canopy  62  to top member  60  of roll bar  56 . In another embodiment, any number of adjustable canopy brackets  100  may be used to adjustably affix canopy  62  to top member  60  of roll bar  56 . Adjustable canopy brackets  100  preferably include a lower bracket plate  302  that is positionable on the lower side of top member  60  and an upper bracket plate  304  that is positionable on the upper side of top member  60 . Lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  are secured or affixed to top member  60  via bolts  306  that are secured in place via nuts  308 . 
         [0030]    As best seen in  FIGS. 4-5 , one lower bracket plate  302  is located on the forward side of top member  60  and one lower bracket plate  302  is located on the rearward side of top member  60 . Lower bracket plate  302  may have an upwardly extending flange  318  that may have a hole (not shown) formed therethrough for affixing flange  318  to a structural member of canopy  62 , such as canopy member  402 . Canopy rib  402  may also have a matching hole (not shown) formed therethrough for accepting a fastener, such as bolt  310  and nut  312 . Bolt  310  and nut  312  securely affix flange  318  to canopy rib  402 . Flange  318  preferably is located on a forward portion of upper bracket plate  304 . 
         [0031]    Adjustable canopy brackets  100  may further include a bolt  314  located towards the rear portion of upper bracket plate  304  that is secured in place by one or more nuts  316 . The upper end of bolt  314  may be secured to a structural member of canopy  62 , such as canopy member  402 . In one aspect, the upper end of bolt  314  may be secured to a different structural member of canopy  62 , such as canopy member  404 . As can best be seen in  FIG. 4 , the forward portion of canopy member  402  is secured in place to flange  318  such that it may rotate about the secured point. The rearward portion of canopy member  402  may be elevated or lowered to provide the desired adjustment by lowering or raising bolt  314  relative to canopy member  402 . 
         [0032]    Any of lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  may further include bent tab portions  320  for providing additional structural rigidity. Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , only one tab portions  320  is shown; however, in another embodiment such tab portions  320  may be formed on any sides or portions of lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  to provide additional structural rigidity. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-5 , the upper portion end of bolt  314  is shown affixed to the rearward portion of canopy member  402  by bolt  406  and nut (not shown). This arrangement provides a pivot point for canopy member  402  to rotate about bolt  406  such that canopy member  402  may be lowered or raised by bolt  314  to a desired height, position, or orientation prior to being secured in place by nuts  316 . As with many of the fasteners discussed herein, bolt  406  may be a threaded end of bolt  314  and not a separate bolt. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, upper bracket plate  304  may include a slot  408  that extends through upper bracket plate  304  and substantially along the major axis of upper bracket plate  304 . Slot  408  provides an opening in upper bracket plate  304  for bolt  314  to slide forward and backward therethrough to accommodate the bolt  314  being positioned in a more forward position or rearward position as the height of canopy member  402  is lowered or raised. In general, bolt  314  may be positioned slightly more forward in slot  408  when bolt  314  is extended to an more upper position and may be positioned slightly more rearward in slot  408  as it is retracted to a more lower position. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, upper bracket plate  304  may further include a slot  410  that extends through upper bracket plate  304  and substantially along the major axis of upper bracket plate  304  for bolts  306  to slide forward and backward therethrough prior to being secured in place by nuts  308 . Slot  410  enables bolts  306  to be moved relative to each other in slot  410  to accommodate varying widths of top member  60  of particular roll bars  56 . For wider top member  60 , bolts  306  may be moved or positioned in slot  410  at a greater distance from each other such that they provide the necessary distance to straddle, one bolt  306  on each side of top member  60 , prior to being secured in place with nuts  308 . Preferably, bolts  306  are positioned directly adjacent to either side of top member  60  to provide the greatest structural rigidity and to prevent adjustable canopy brackets  100  from sliding about on top member  60 . 
         [0036]    Likewise, lower bracket plate  302  may further include a slot  412  that extends through lower bracket plate  302  and substantially along the major axis of lower bracket plate  302  for bolts  306  to slide forward and backward therethrough prior to being secured in place by nuts  308 . Slot  412  enables bolts  306  to be moved relative to each other in slot  412  to accommodate varying widths of top member  60  of particular roll bars  56 . For wider top member  60 , bolts  306  may be moved or positioned in slot  412  at a greater distance from each other such that they provide the necessary distance to straddle, one bolt  306  on each side of top member  60 , prior to being secured in place with nuts  308 . Preferably, bolts  306  are positioned directly adjacent to either side of top member  60  to provide the greatest structural rigidity and to prevent adjustable canopy brackets  100  from sliding about on top member  60 . 
         [0037]    As shown, preferably slot  410  may be slightly more forward in upper bracket plate  304  and slot  408  may be slightly more rearward in upper bracket plate  304 . In one embodiment, slot  408  and slot  410  may be offset axially in upper bracket plate  304 , as best seen in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0038]    In place of bolts  306 ,  310 ,  406  and nuts  308 ,  312  any other fastener types may be used to securely fasten and affix lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  to top member  60  of roll bar  56 . In one aspect, bolts  306  may be carriage bolts that have squared underside heads for engaging with slot  410 . 
         [0039]    In operation, upper bracket plate  304  is positioned adjacent to the upper side or top of top member and lower bracket plate  302  is positioned adjacent to the lower side or bottom of top member  60 . Lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  are affixed or secured in place by bolts  306  and nuts  308 . Preferably, one bolt  306  is positioned or located forward of top member and one bolt  306  is positioned or located rearward of top member  60 . They are also preferably adjacent to top member  60  for structural rigidity. Upper bracket plate  304  may then be affixed to canopy member  402  of canopy  62  via bolt  310  and nut  312 . One of nuts  316  is then adjusted until the height of bolt  314  is at a desirable position such that canopy  62  is in a desirable position. Then, the second nuts  316  may be tightened to secure bolt  314  to upper bracket plate  304 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , upper bracket plate  304  is shown having an overlapping or extending portion  414  where slot  408  is disposed therethrough relative to lower bracket plate  302 . In this embodiment, extending portion  414  extends outwardly beyond the boundaries of lower bracket plate  302  to provide free movement of bolt  314  as it moves up and down during adjustment. 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the present adjustable canopy brackets is shown and generally illustrated as  600 . In this embodiment, adjustable canopy brackets  600  include a front bracket plate  602  and a rear bracket plate  604  that are securely positioned or disposed about top member  60  via bolts  606  and nuts (not shown). As described above with reference to adjustable canopy brackets  100 , one or more adjustable canopy brackets  600  may be used for securing canopy  62  to top member  60  of roll bar  56 . 
         [0042]    In this embodiment, front bracket plate  602  may be positionable on the front side of top member  60  and rear bracket plate  604  may be positionable on the rear side of top member  60 . Front bracket plate  602  may have an upwardly extending flange  612  that may have a hole (not shown) formed therethrough for affixing flange  612  to a structural member of canopy  62 . 
         [0043]    In one aspect, the upper end of a bolt  608  may be secured to a structural member of canopy  62 , as described with respect to adjustable canopy brackets  100 . The forward portion of canopy  62  may be secured in place to flange  612  such that it may rotate about the secured point. The rearward portion of canopy  62  may be elevated or lowered to provide the desired adjustment by lowering or raising bolt  608  relative to canopy  62 . 
         [0044]    Any of front bracket plate  602  and rear bracket plate  604  may further include bent tab portions (not shown) for providing additional structural rigidity, as described with reference to lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304 . In one embodiment, rear bracket plate  604  may include one or more tabs or flanges  614  for accepting and securing bolt  608  with one or more nuts  610 . In  FIG. 6 , rear bracket plate  604  is shown having two flanges  614  for securing bolt  608 . In another embodiment, rear bracket plate  604  may have one flange  614  for accepting and securing bolt  608  with one or more nuts  610 . 
         [0045]    Further, rear bracket plate  604  may include a slot (not shown) that extends through flanges  614  of rear bracket plate  604  for accepting bolt  608  to provide similar functionality as described with reference to slot  408 . 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, as discussed with reference to slot  410  of upper bracket plate  304 , front bracket plate  602  and rear bracket plate  604  may further include slots (not shown) that extends through these brackets for bolts  606  to slide forward and backward therethrough prior to being secured in place by nuts. These slots enable bolts  606  to be moved relative to each other to accommodate varying widths of top member  60  of particular roll bars  56 . 
         [0047]    In place of bolts  306 ,  310 ,  406  and nuts  308 ,  312  any other fastener types may be used to securely fasten and affix lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  to top member  60  of roll bar  56 . In one aspect, bolts  306  may be carriage bolts that have squared underside heads for engaging with slot  410 . 
         [0048]    In operation, upper bracket plate  304  is positioned adjacent to the upper side or top of top member and lower bracket plate  302  is positioned adjacent to the lower side or bottom of top member  60 . Lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  are affixed or secured in place by bolts  306  and nuts  308 . Preferably, one bolt  306  is positioned or located forward of top member and one bolt  306  is positioned or located rearward of top member  60 . They are also preferably adjacent to top member  60  for structural rigidity. Upper bracket plate  304  may then be affixed to canopy member  402  of canopy  62  via bolt  310  and nut  312 . One of nuts  316  is then adjusted until the height of bolt  314  is at a desirable position such that canopy  62  is in a desirable position. Then, the second nuts  316  may be tightened to secure bolt  314  to upper bracket plate  304 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , upper bracket plate  304  is shown having an overlapping or extending portion  414  where slot  408  is disposed therethrough relative to lower bracket plate  302 . In this embodiment, extending portion  414  extends outwardly beyond the boundaries of lower bracket plate  302  to provide free movement of bolt  314  as it moves up and down during adjustment. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, adjustable canopy brackets  100 ,  600  may be incorporated as part of canopy  62  such that they are commercially available as one unit. In this embodiment, adjustable canopy brackets  100 ,  600  are incorporated in any disclosed embodiment or aspect as a canopy with adjustable brackets. 
         [0051]    Additionally, roll bar  56  may be any type of roll-over protection systems (“ROPS”) commonly known and used on vehicles. 
         [0052]    The dimensions of any of the parts described herein may be such that they accommodate all types of roll bars found on vehicles. For example, lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  may be any dimension sufficient to fit to an existing roll bar of a vehicle. For example, lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  may be sized such that they affix to a roll bar having dimensions from about 1 inch in height by 6 inches in width to about 1 inch in width and 6 inches in height. Additionally, when two adjustable canopy brackets  100  are used to affix canopy  62  to roll bar  56 , they may be separated by a distance of from about 3 inches to about 30 inches, and more preferably from about 8 inches to about 11 inches. Further, bolt  314  may have a length of from about 4 inches to about 12 inches, and more preferably from about inches to about 8 inches. Bolt  314  may also have a diameter of from about one-eighth inch to about 1 inch, and more preferably, one-quarter inch to about three-quarter inch. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, lower bracket plate  302  and upper bracket plate  304  may be made from any type of rigid material, including steel plate, steel beams, steel HSS, steel channel, steel angle, polycarbonates, plastics, alloys, metals, aluminum, composites, and the like. The material must be sufficiently rigid for providing support of canopy  62 . 
         [0054]    Additionally, in place of bolts and nuts as described herein, any fasteners commonly known to those skilled in the art may be used for securing lower bracket plate  302 , upper bracket plate  304 , front bracket plate  602 , and rear bracket plate  604  to top member  60  of roll bar  56 . 
         [0055]    While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.