Plastic covers on the bimini top support tubes

[fulldec 0]

This may be obvious to others, but I would like to know why there are plastic covers on some of the Bimini poles. Are they there to protect the plastic side curtains, if you have them, or do they serve some other purpose?

 

Thanks,

[Bob 0]

the grey plastic sleeves protect the arms of the bimini top frame from scratching when you fold the top