Canopy Components & Terminology
Every Part, Explained
The language of the paddock, illustrated and explained
Replace The Part, Not The Canopy
Components, Up Close
Every Larsens canopy is a system of parts: frame, fabric, track, skirts, and hardware. The fabric side of every one is designed, crafted, and assembled in our own shop in Newton, North Carolina.
And each part can be ordered on its own. Wear out a rope strip, tear a skirt, add a vent: the piece is replaced or remade to your original spec, no full rebuild required.
Below is the vocabulary the paddock uses for every part we make, with photos where it helps. Not sure what a part is called? Describe it. We have been building these since 1972.
A To Z
Canopy & Frame Glossary
Every part and style, A to Z, in the language the paddock uses: 73 terms, each with a photo and a plain-English explanation. Pick a letter, click any photo to enlarge, or ask us about any of them at 831-476-3009.
A/C Cut-Outs
Custom cut-outs can be added to the canopy’s skirts or roof-ends to accommodate any A/C or heating unit. These cut-outs can be built with roll-up covers for when the units are not installed.
Adjustable collar
Half height (privacy) poles typically come with adjustable collars. This allows the horizontal pole to be raised or lowered depending on the set up surface. This pole is used to hang " half height skirts " or to act as a "sill" for zip down windows.
Awning Rail
Awning Rail Also called "C" channel, "C" track or trailer track. Holds the bolt rope or keder and keeps the canopy attached to the trailer.
Backdrop to Trailer
A typical "back drop to trailer" is a fabric panel used on " rise above " canopies. This vertical panel closes off the gap between the elevated top of the canopy frame and the trailer roof. A zippered connector for the back drop is standard on a Larsen " rise above " style canopy. Another method of filling this gap is with a tilt-up marque panel. These are usually framed metal panels that can be hinged on the roof.
Bally Curtains
Bally Curtains is a term sometimes used in the industry for Half Height Skirts. Please see " Half Height Skirts "
Banners & Backdrops
Banners & Backdrops Specializing in large area printing on fabrics as light as sailcloth or as heavy as truck tarps. Offering mesh fabrics & solid fabrics e.g., PVC laminates, coated polyesters and nylon. Fire retardant, mildew resistant and UV treated.
Bolt-rope
Bolt-rope Also called Keder or bead, bolt-rope is used to attach a canopy to a trailer and is sewn to the canopy roof. The bolt-rope is fed into the "C" track along the roof line of the trailer. On a standard setup, the bolt-rope is sewn to the canopy. For ease of installation, it can be made as a separate piece that zips to the main body of the roof. (See Zippered Bolt-rope Strip .)
Canopy Storage & Shipping Bag
Canopy Storage & Shipping Bag Our canopy and canopy skirts come with heavy duty vinyl storage shipping bags. These bags include a repair kit sewn inside one of the flaps and clear vinyl windows on the outside for shipping and identification labels. Each bag has two handles on each end and zippers to open and close. The zipper tabs are protected from damage during shipment.
Canopy and Frame Terminology
Canopy and Frame Terminology Canopies and canopy frames are built out of many parts. Here is a layout of some of the major components.
Cantilevered
Cantilevered Canopy A cantilevered style frame or canopy uses horizontal braces and creates unobstructed clearance under the canopy. This style typically does not have skirts. Also called a Suspended Canopy.
Chuckwagon Style Entry
Chuck wagon Style Entry The "Chuck wagon" style portico on his hospitality set-up allows access to the curbside, roadside or both canopies. Its distinctive "hooped" fascia provides an ideal space for branding.
Cocktail Strap
Cocktail Strap Canopies with zippered bolt rope strips include a "cocktail strap". This strap relieves stress on the bolt rope zipper when zipping or unzipping the roof. Simply attach the hook to the end rafter ring. As you zip or unzip the canopy, the weight is borne by the cocktail strap and not the teeth of the zipper.
Combination Skirts
Combination Skirts "Combo" skirts are typically clear vinyl upper sections with solid fabric lower skirts. The lower skirts are called half height skirts and hang from horizontal poles. When used in combination, the clear uppers and solid lowers are connected with buckles and straps that loop around the pole through slits in the lower skirts. The lower skirts separate vertically with zippers at every other pole.
Continuous verses Individual Half Height skirts
Continuous verses Individual Half Height Skirts Half height skirts provide a perimeter barrier while allowing visibility into and out of the canopy. These skirts are available in two versions. Continuous and individual. Continuous - Half skirts travel across the vertical support poles. The skirts are joined by zippers at the poles. The "Gary Fisher" skirt in the photo is a continuous skirt. Individual - Half skirts hang from the 1/2 height horizontal poles between the vertical support poles. The "Saab" skirt in the photo is an individual skirt.
Corral Skirt
Corral Skirt A corral skirt is a ground-level barrier used to surround an outdoor area adjacent to a trailer. Also see the Easy Show System . Click picture or above link to view. Easy Show System
Crowd Control Barriers
Crowd Control Barriers A crowd control barrier is a set of stand-alone half height skirts. These are typically used to define a workspace or relaxation area. The barriers also provide a great place for signage. Also see the Easy Show System . Click picture or above link to view. Easy Show System
Curbside Mount
Curbside Mount Standard canopies mount onto the Curbside or Roadside of the trailer. A Curbside mount goes on the passenger side of the trailer, next to the curb when parked.
Duo-Tone Fabric
Discontinued
Extension
Extension An extension adds to the length of the canopy by extending past the trailer end(s). The two most common styles are tapered (standard) and straight back rafter. The tapered style has a diagonal rafter extending from the trailer to the outside corner. The straight back style follows the same slope as the main canopy. Extensions can be added to the cab end (front) or lift gate end (rear).
Extension Back
Extension Back The backdrop of an extension that reaches from the roof to the valance. On a tapered extension, it is shaped like a triangle. On a straight back rafter extension, it is rectangular in shape. Extension back skirts zip to the extension back.
Extension Wrap
Extension Wrap A standard extension follows the line of the trailer (curbside or roadside). A wrap "turns the corner" around the front or rear of the trailer. It terminates on the opposite side. The photo shows a "rear extension wrap" turning the corner on the lift gate end of a semi.
Flooring
Flooring Flexible flooring like the Kiwi tiles shown here provide a clean, dry non-skid surface. Available as interlocking tiles or on rolls, this flooring can be transported to any event. Standard and custom colors are available. Great for outdoor use.
Foot Base - Adjustable
Foot Base - Adjustable Vertical support poles are fitted with adjustable foot bases. The multiple adjustments help level the canopy on uneven surfaces. Spring poles (attached to each end of the trailer) adjust automatically depending on the weight of the trailer.
Footman Loop
Footman Loop A footman loop is a low profile metal bracket that provides an anchor point on the trailer to secure various sections of the canopy. Some of the common places they are utilized include: The canopy roof -To tension the bolt rope end to end. Roof ends ~ To tether the roof ends to the trailer when a "C" channel is not practical. Skirts ~ As with roof ends, skirts can be strapped to the trailer side via footman's loops. The loops fasten with either two rivets or 2 bolts. They only protrude 1/2" out from the trailer and can accommodate straps up to two inches wide.
Full Skirts
Full Skirts Full skirts are used on "Fully Enclosed" canopies and could be considered walls. They zip to the interior of the valance and hang down to the ground. Typically full skirts are built in sections with zipper connections in two places along the face and 2 places on each end. Each of the sections can be rolled up or removed for access.
Goose-neck Trailer Set-up
Goose-neck Trailer Set-up Even short trailers such as goose-necks can accommodate our canopies. You simply add a "rise above" to create an elevated rear eave. The photo shows the "open frame" method (left end) and "tilt-up panel" method (right side).
Ground poles & Threshold plates
Ground poles & Threshold plates Ground poles (typically 2" round aluminum) are pinned to the foot base of each vertical pole. They lay on the ground around the perimeter of the canopy. These poles help stabilize the frame. Full height or 1/2 height skirts can be strapped to the ground poles. Flat Threshold plates can be used in place of round poles for doorways. Safer for foot traffic and better for vehicles.
Half Height Skirt Poles with Adjustable Collars
Half Height Skirt Poles with Adjustable Collars Horizontal aluminum poles used to hang half height skirts. They also serve as supporting "window sills" for zip down windows. Height is adjustable.
Half Height Skirts
Half Height Skirts Half height skirts create a perimeter barrier while allowing visibility into the canopy. These skirts can be individual or continuous. Individual skirts hang separately between each vertical support pole. Continuous skirts are connected with zippers and hide the vertical support poles. Half height skirts are sometimes referred to as " privacy skirts ", " pony walls " or " bally curtains ".
Horizontal Brace
Horizontal Brace Used on cantilevered canopy frames, a horizontal brace stabilizes the rafter with a return to the trailer wall.
Horizontal Projection Style
Horizontal Projection Style The frame projects horizontally (parallel to the ground) before sloping to the outer eave. Used when trailer has tall doors or slide-outs that may need clearance before sloping.
Individual verses Continuous Half Height Skirts
Individual verses Continuous Half Height Skirts Half height skirts provide a perimeter barrier while allowing visibility into and out of the canopy. These skirts are available in two versions. Continuous and individual. Continuous - Half skirts travel across the vertical support poles. The skirts are joined by zippers at the poles. The "Gary Fisher" skirt in the photo is a continuous skirt. Individual - Half skirts hang from the 1/2 height horizontal poles between the vertical support poles. The "Saab" skirt in the photo is an individual skirt.
Instant Shelter
Instant Shelter Another term for pop-up or portable canopy. These freestanding tents set up quickly with little or no assembly required. Sizes range from 5' x 5' to 10' x 20'. Custom printed covers are available. Larsens is an authorized KD Kanopy distributor.
Keder
Keder The official name is " bolt-rope " and some refer to it as the "bead". It is located along the top edge of the canopy roof and fed into the "C" track along the roof line of the trailer. On a standard setup, the bolt-rope is sewn to the canopy. For ease of installation, it can be made as a separate piece that zips to the main body of the roof. (See Zippered Bolt-Rope Strip .)
Length
Length The canopy length is the measurement along the trailer. Typically the length at the outer eave (away from the trailer) is the same as the length at the trailer.
Mesh Roof Ends
Mesh Roof Ends For ventilation - can be removable and interchangeable with solid ends. Mesh roof end with 25% air flow.
Mobile Marketing
Mobile Marketing Mobile Marketing refers to a broad array of branding practices deployed on-site at events frequented by potential customers. The key insight of mobile marketing is that companies should be where their target customers are. A great example that most people are familiar with is the traveling Oscar Mayer car that shows up at events all over the country. For Larsens these events include auto racing, sporting events, trade shows, corporate engagement events held at conferences throughout the country and regional fairs. We provide trailer canopies, awnings, free standing & pop-up tents and a wide variety of banners and backdrops to help our clients stand out at these events.
Mounting Hardware
Mounting Hardware Hardware that is attached to the trailer for canopy and frame installation.
NHRA Racing Canopy
NHRA Racing Canopy The NHRA style canopy is another term for " cantilevered " or "suspended". The canopy is supported entirely by the trailer with no vertical poles. These are very popular with drag race teams since they allow access for tall & long dragsters. They are also popular with boat racers and vendors. The outer eave is typically higher (96") than a standard canopy (86") and the projection is restricted to a maximum of 15 feet.
Nomenclature
A system for naming things
Observation Deck Canopy
Observation Deck Canopy A trailer top canopy that offers a premier vantage point for viewing events. Also a prime place for corporate logos that can seen from great distances. Printable observation deck skirts are also available.
Pit Canopy
Pit Canopy A free standing canopy used in pit row during motorsports races. They provide protection from the elements for the crew and equipment.
Pole Storage Bag
Pole Storage Bag Pole bags are a convenient way to organize your frame poles and foot bases for safe keeping. They are not, however, intended to store frame rafters. These bags are made of heavy duty vinyl with double layer reinforced ends, lengthwise zippers and handles on the ends. Standard sizes range from 10" diameter x 104" long up to 19" diameter x 180" long. Custom sizes are also available.
Pony Walls
Pony Walls Please see " Half Height Skirts " Another term sometimes used in the industry.
Pop-Up Canopy
Pop-Up Canopy Portable canopies that literally set up in seconds. Sizes range from 5' x 5' up to 10' x 20'. Larsens is an authorized KD Kanopy distributor.
Portico Style Entry
Portico Style Entry Unique entryways beckon people into your canopy or tent. This domed portico entryway is installed along the face of a storefront style canopy.
Prefeeder
Prefeeder Mounting hardware that helps guide the bolt-rope into the awning rail or "C" channel.
Privacy Skirts
Privacy Skirts Please see " Half Height Skirts ". For years we used the term "privacy skirts" to identify the 1/2 height skirts installed around the perimeter of a canopy. In an effort to be more descriptive and less confusing we will now refer to the lower 1/2 skirts as " Half Height " skirts.
Projection
Projection The distance (horizontally) that the canopy projects out from the trailer.
Quick Pin
Quick Pin A locking pin inserted into holes in the frame to join two pieces together.
Rafter Ring
Rafter Ring Also called a "pad eye". The ring is attached to the trailer. The end of the rafter hooks into this ring.
Rain Drains with Spouts
Rain Drains with Spouts Located between the rafters & towards the outer face of the canopy, these drains help prevent water from accumulating on top of the canopy which could cause damage. The spouts need to be deployed and free of obstructions when rain threatens. They can be rolled and stored in the convenient pouch when the weather is clear. Other drainage methods include grommets and mesh " Wilber " drains.
Rise Above Canopy
Rise Above Canopy The frame rises above the trailer roof line before sloping to outer eave. Used when trailer is too short to provide proper slope for watershed. Available on Cantilevered and Fully Enclosed canopies.
Roadside Mount
Roadside Mount Standard canopies mount onto the Curbside or Roadside of the trailer. A Roadside mount goes on the driver's side of the trailer, facing the street. Sometimes referred to as a street side mount.
Roof End
Roof End The roof end is the triangular shaped piece that caps off the canopy roof at each end. It is typically sewn to the roof and is the same color. Contrasting colors are an option. When canopy extensions are used, the roof end becomes removable with a zipper flap. Roof ends are also referred to as "gables" or "wings".
Roof End Vent
A roof end vent is a mesh insert with a roll-up cover. This vent provides ventilation for the canopy.
Slide-Out / Slide-Out cover
Slide-Out / Slide-Out cover Also called a "Pop-Out". Part of the trailer that slides out to extend to interior. These are often covered with a "Slide-Out cover" similar to a small canopy.
Soil Skirt
Soil Skirt The soil skirt is a 10" to 15" vinyl piece sewn onto the bottom of a full skirt or privacy skirt. It is intended to lay an inch or two on the ground to prevent dirt from blowing into the canopy. It also reduces wear on the skirts. Soil skirts are typically black but can be blue, white, grey or red.
Spider
Frame Fittings The connector or coupling for rafters, spacers, and vertical support poles.
Spinnaker End
Spinnaker End A spinnaker end is attached to the trailer end of each rafter. The spring loaded hook is cocked using a cable that runs thru the rafter. The hook snaps into the rafter ring securing the rafter to the trailer.
Spring pole
Spring pole The spring pole acts as an anchoring post for the side skirts and ground pole. It attaches to a bracket on the trailer at each end of the canopy. The foot base is spring loaded so it rides up and down depending on the weight in the trailer and the terrain.
Storefront
Storefront A Storefront style roof is available on fully enclosed canopies. The rafters create a peak which gives more headroom and creates the illusion of more space. The removable triangular shaped storefront allows for better graphics visibility from the ground than a standard slope roof.
Tie Down
Tie Down Attached to the canopy's outer eave at each rafter to add stability to the canopy. The tie downs can be secured to the ground with stakes or lashed to weights (water barrels, cinder blocks etc.)
Tube Storage Bag
Tube Storage Bag Long tubular bag for canopy storage. The tube bag is used in conjunction with a zippered bolt rope strip and is made to the length of the canopy. It serves two purposes. To lay the canopy out lengthwise on the trailer roof during installation. During tear-down it is laid out on the ground with the front eave of the frame lowered to the ground. The roof is unzipped and slides down the rafters into the bag. This bag is built to the same length of the canopy with a lengthwise zipper and handles. The canopy roof is fan-folded lengthwise and placed into the bag. During set-up the bag is taken to the rooftop of the trailer, unrolled and unzipped. The roof is now ready to be installed. During tear down, the bag is laid out on the ground at the outer eave. The roof can now slide down the rafters into the bag.
Underlay
Underlay A second layer of fabric around the outer perimeter of a canopy roof. This additional layer reinforces the roof at critical stress areas which extends the life of the canopy. The canopy underlay is a standard feature on all Larsens canopies.
Valance
Valance The valance is a small strip of fabric (usually 6" on a fully enclosed style) that hangs down from the front of the canopy roof. The valance hides the frame and is used to attach skirts. The valance can be the same color as the roof (standard) or a contrasting color can be chosen.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl Window s Marine grade clear vinyl windows.
Windows
Windows A window is a cut-out in a full skirt, usually filled with clear vinyl. Windows are either rectangular, rounded rectangular or domed. A standard window is permanently sewn in but, can be ordered with zippers along the top and down both sides. Other options include interior roll-up covers, faux panes, solid acrylic and tinting.
Wired Rafters
Wired Rafters Frame rafters can be wired internally for 110v or 220v receptacles. Pneumatic tubing can also be threaded through the rafters to deliver compressed air or other gasses.
Xebec
Xebec A three-masted Mediterranean sailing ship with long overhanging bow and stern. Note the fabric for the sails is a very early version of fabrics used for today's mobile canopies.
Yellowing
Our canopy fabrics are treated with UV inhibitors to reduce the yellowing effects of the sun's ultra violet rays. They are also treated to be mildew resistant and flame retardant to California State Fire Marshall Title 19 specification.
Zipper components
Zipper Components The four major components of a separating zipper are: box pin teeth slider A separating zipper does just what its' name says.. it separates like the zipper on a jacket. To engage the zipper start with the slider at the very bottom. Insert the "pin" through the slider and into the "box". Pull the slider up the zipper "teeth" to the end. The end will have a zipper "stop". (not shown here)
Zippered Bolt Rope Strip
A zippered bolt rope strip is a great aid when setting up or tearing down a large canopy. The bolt rope on the canopy roof can be made as a separate piece that unzips from the body of the roof. First slide the narrow strip through the track then zip on the remainder of the roof and unroll onto the frame. During tear down you can lower the nose of the canopy onto the ground. With all the rafter pockets and pole straps released, you unzip the "Zip strip" and let the roof slide down the rafters. If you have an optional " Tube storage bag " it can be laid out in the ground to accept the canopy roof. Just zip it and store it .
Need A Part Or A Whole Canopy?
Describe what the rig needs and we’ll take it from there. Every order comes out of our Newton, North Carolina shop.