Umbrella rib connector assemblies and methods

Abstract

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an umbrella hub assembly comprises an a cylindrical portion and a socket coupled to the cylindrical portion. The socket can have a fixed end, a free end, and a cylindrical wall defining a concave space extending from the free end toward the fixed end. The socket can have an access aperture disposed through the cylindrical wall. The assembly can further include an umbrella rib comprising a first end, a second end, and an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis. The first end can be configured to be received in the concave space through the free end such that the socket engages the umbrella rib and such that the first end is accessible through the access aperture.

Claims

1. A shade assembly comprising: a movable hub comprising: an outer portion; and a socket having an inner end pivotably coupled to the outer portion and a free end disposed away from the outer portion, the free end including an opening comprising a central portion and a non-circular wing section connected with the central portion extending towards an outer circumference of the free end; a rib coupled with the socket, the rib having an end configured to fit within the opening in a pre-defined rotational orientation with respect to the socket; and wherein the end is configured to be trapped within respective socket.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the end of the rib includes a flattened region and the wing section is configured to receive the flattened region.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the opening includes two wing sections on opposite sides of the central portion.

4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the central portion has a diameter and the flattened region has a width greater than the diameter of the central portion.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the socket includes an internal space and a catch, the catch configured to trap the flattened region of the end when the end of the rib is inserted into the socket through the opening.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the catch in the socket includes an upper catch and a lower catch that engage on opposite sides of the flattened region of the end of the rib.

7. A shade assembly comprising: a hub comprising: an outer portion disposed about a central aperture; and a socket pivotably coupled to the outer portion and having an end disposed away from the outer portion, the end including an opening into the socket; a rib having a rib end and a shaft, the rib end including a widened segment that is wider than a width of a body of the shaft, the widened segment including a stepped surface extending transverse to a length of the body of the shaft; wherein the socket includes a catch configured to prevent the rib end from being removed when disposed within the socket through the opening by blocking the stepped surface.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the body of the shaft includes a continuously outwardly curved outer surface adjacent to the stepped surface.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the widened segment comprises a flat portion.

10. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the socket includes an access aperture disposed through an outer wall of the socket, the widened segment accessible through the access aperture when received within the socket.

11. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the socket includes a narrow internal space located between the end and the outer portion of the hub, the catch located at the narrow internal space, the catch located at the narrow internal space, a widened internal space located between the narrow internal space and the outer portion of the hub, the widened internal space configured to receive the widened segment of the rib.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the catch comprises deflectable portions disposed on opposed sides of the socket configured to be deflected away from a centerline of the socket by advancement of the widened segment into the narrow internal space.

13. A shade structure assembly comprising: a rib coupler comprising: an arcuate portion disposed around an aperture, the aperture extending along an axis; a plurality of sockets coupled with the arcuate portion; and a socket of the plurality of sockets configured to receive and trap a rib, the socket coupled to the arcuate portion, the socket having a first end, a second end disposed away from the first end, an outer wall disposed between the first end and the second end, and an opening on the second end; wherein the first end of the at least one socket includes a pivotal connection provided by a flexible region, the flexible region including a living hinge including a locally thin section, the locally thin section having a width greater than a width of the socket within a plane transverse to the axis; wherein a width of the flexible region within the plane tapers down from the width of the locally thin section to the width of the socket at the first end of the socket.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one socket and the arcuate portion are formed of a unitary expanse of material.

15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the flexible region is thinner at an interface with the arcuate portion and thicker at an interface with the socket.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein an upper side of the flexible region includes a concave curvature and a lower side of the flexible region includes a concave curvature.

17. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the flexible region is wider than the width of the socket measured within a plane extending through the socket.

18. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the opening is keyhole-shaped and configured to trap a rib that includes an enlarged end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other features, aspects and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the inventions. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments. The following is a brief description of each of the drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an umbrella assembly including upper and lower hubs disposed about an umbrella pole and a plurality of elongate ribs and struts extending therefrom, according to one embodiment.

(3) FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the lower hub illustrated in FIG. 1, the lower hub having sockets.

(4) FIG. 3 is a top view of the lower hub illustrated in FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 4A is a partial section view of an umbrella hub having sockets taken along a portion of the section plane 4-4 in FIG. 3 having the elongate rib removed.

(6) FIG. 4B is a section view of an umbrella hub having sockets taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3 having the elongate rib inserted.

(7) FIG. 4C is a detail view of FIG. 4B.

(8) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the elongate rib.

(9) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken at section plane 6-6 in FIG. 3, the elongate rib only partially inserted into the socket and contacting an inclined surface shown in phantom lines.

(10) FIG. 7A is a section view of another embodiment of an umbrella hub having a socket, illustrating a method of connecting a rib to the umbrella hub.

(11) FIG. 7B is a section view of the umbrella hub in FIG. 6 showing an elongate rib inserted into the socket.

(12) FIG. 8A is a section view of the umbrella hub of FIG. 4 illustrating the removal of a portion of an elongate rib that is broken at a junction between a widened segment and an adjacent segment.

(13) FIG. 8B is a section view of the umbrella hub of FIG. 4 illustrating the insertion of an elongate rib after the removal of the broken rib as illustrated in FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(14) While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein. Each and every feature described herein, and each and every combination of two or more of such features, is included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in such a combination are not mutually inconsistent.

(15) Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the figures are not drawn to scale. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

(16) For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

(17) Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combination or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Further, the actions of the disclosed processes and methods may be modified in any manner, including by reordering actions and/or inserting additional actions and/or deleting actions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

(18) Any feature, structure, or step disclosed herein can be replaced with or combined with any other feature, structure, or step disclosed herein, or omitted. Further, for purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and features of the inventions have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily any or all such advantages are achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable.

(19) In accordance with embodiments described herein, there are provided various configurations of a hub and hub assembly that can be used with an umbrella assembly, including an umbrella support structure, an umbrella or pavilion, to facilitate the rapid and secure fastening of structural ribs with a hub or other structure. There are also provided various configurations of a hub and hub assembly that can be used to remove a rib after the rib has assembled with the hub and a new rib assembled with the hub.

(20) FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an umbrella assembly 100 that includes a lower hub 120 and an upper hub 110 assembled with a plurality of elongate ribs 114 on an elongate pole 111. The hubs 110, 120 can be configured for excellent manufacturability and also for efficient use of components, such as reducing the number of components, and increasing the efficiency of assembling the hubs 110, 120 with the elongate ribs 114. The hubs 110, 120 can be configured for enabling the efficient replacement of the ribs 114. Although the lower hub 120 is described herein in FIGS. 2-5, it is to be understood that the described features of the lower hub 120 can also or alternatively be used or provided with the upper hub 110 or with intermediate hubs (not shown).

(21) The elongated ribs 114 can be pivotably attached to either of the upper hub 110 or the lower hub 120 on the elongate pole 111 to provide support for an umbrella canopy member, such as a canvas or other flexible member to span between the ribs 114 (not shown). The elongate pole 111 can comprise an upper end 111a and a lower end 111b with a body 111c extending along a longitudinal access extending therebetween. The upper hub 110 can be fixedly attached with the upper end 111a of the pole 111. The lower hub 120 can be disposed on the elongate pole 111 and slidingly engaged therewith between the upper end 111a and the lower end 111b.

(22) FIG. 1 also shows that the umbrella assembly 100 can include a plurality of structural members, e.g., including elongate ribs 114. Each of the ribs 114 can have an inner end 114a, an outer end 114b, and a body 114c that extends along a longitudinal axis between the inner end 114a and the outer end 114b. The ribs 114 are discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. 5.

(23) FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the lower hub 120 and the ribs 114 in greater detail. As noted above, features of embodiments herein can be provided on the upper hub 110 or on intermediate hubs so the description will sometimes just refer to the hub 120. The hub 120 can include an arcuate portion, such as cylindrical portion 122, and a plurality of sockets 124. The sockets 124 can be configured such that the plurality of elongate ribs 114 can be inserted into the plurality of sockets 124. In various embodiments herein, the sockets 124 can be pivotable relative to the cylindrical portion 122. Optionally, the cylindrical portion 122 is configured to be disposed about the elongate pole 111. When so disposed, the cylindrical portion 122 can be affixed to or slidable along the pole 111. The cylindrical portion can have an interior profile and an exterior profile of any shape, including triangular, rectangular, square, cylindrical, or other shape profile.

(24) In certain embodiments, the lower hub 120 can comprise a base material such as metal or plastic. Suitable plastics can include polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene. In one embodiment, the base material of the hub 120 is a single type of material such as metal or plastic. In another embodiment, the entire structure of lower hub 120 including cylindrical portion 122 and sockets 124 can be made from a single material and/or can have a unitary structure.

(25) Optionally, the socket 124 has a fixed end 124a coupled with the cylindrical portion 122 and a free end 124b disposed away from the fixed end 124a. Optionally, the socket has a cylindrical wall 128 extending from between the fixed end 124a and the free end 124b with the cylindrical wall 128 defining a concave space 148. Optionally, the concave space 148 extends from the free end 124b towards the fixed end 124a. In one embodiment, the socket 124 has an opening 134 configured to provide access to the concave space 148. Optionally, the opening 134 is on the free end 124b. Optionally, the opening 134 can be on a radially outward facing surface on the free end 124b. The opening 134 is discussed in further detail in connection with FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the free end 124b can be coupled with other sockets and/or the cylindrical portion 122.

(26) In certain embodiments, the socket 124 includes an access aperture 140 that provides an access opening to the concave space 148. The access aperture 140 can extend through the cylindrical wall 128. In one embodiment, the access aperture 140 is disposed between the free end 124b and the fixed end 124a. Optionally, the access aperture 140 is a first access aperture and the socket 124 comprises a second access aperture 144. In one embodiment, the first and second access apertures 140, 144 are disposed on opposite sides of the socket 124. In another embodiment, the access aperture 140 is at a top or an upper location and/or the second access aperture 144 is at a bottom or lower location on the socket 124.

(27) In certain embodiments, the sockets 124 are pivotable with respect to the cylindrical portion 122. As such both the free end 122b and the fixed end 122a can be moveable relative to the cylindrical portion 122. For example, an axle, a linkage or other mechanism can be provided to enable the socket 124 to move relative to the cylindrical portion 122. In certain embodiments, the socket 124 is coupled with the cylindrical portion 122 through a flexible region 132. Optionally, the flexible region 132 comprises a continuous and seamless expanse of the base material connecting the socket 124 to the cylindrical portion 122. Optionally, the flexible region 132 is provided by a locally thin expanse disposed between the cylindrical portion 122 and the fixed end 124a of the pivotable member 124. The flexible region 132 is further described in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B below.

(28) Referring to FIG. 3, in certain embodiments, hub 120 can have a central channel 150 that extends through the cylindrical portion 122. In the hub assembly, the plurality of sockets 124 and the plurality of elongate ribs 114 can be coupled together. Optionally, the plurality of sockets 124 extend from the cylindrical portion 122 of the hub 120 in a radial direction. The plurality of sockets 124 are optionally evenly spaced around the perimeter 123 of the cylindrical portion 122.

(29) In certain embodiments, the flexible region 132 comprises the base material and is either narrower or the same width as the socket 124. Optionally, the flexible region 132 has a locally wide section 133 that is wider than the socket 124 in a direction within a plane that is transverse to the pole 111. This locally wide section increases the durability and/or increases the fatigue strength of the flexible region 132. Optionally, the locally wide section 133 is less wide than the socket 124 in the direction within the plane that is transverse to the pole 111.

(30) Referring now to FIG. 4A, the flexible region 132 optionally comprises a locally thin section 132a. The thinness of the thin section 132a optionally disposed in a direction transverse to the width of the locally wide section 133 or in a direction parallel to the pole 111. This locally thin section 132a can be sufficiently thin such that the base material of the flexible region 132 becomes more flexible than the base material surrounding the flexible region 132 and thereby socket 124 can be pivotable with respect to the cylindrical portion 122. Optionally, the locally thin section 132a comprises at least one indentation in a surface of the base material. Optionally, the flexible region comprises or is a portion of a living hinge.

(31) In certain embodiments, the outer periphery 123 of the cylindrical portion 122 is coupled with the socket 124 by the flexible region 132. Optionally, the socket 124 comprises an opening 134 on the free end 124b that can provide access into a concave space 148 on the interior of the socket 124. The concave space 148 can comprise a narrow region 136 and a wider region 152. Optionally, the narrow region 136 is located between the free end 124b and the fixed end 124a. In one embodiment, the narrow region 136 is spaced away from opening 134 towards the fixed end 124a. In another embodiment, the narrow region 136 can be located between the wider region 152 and the free end 124b. In another embodiment, the wider region 152 is closer to the fixed end 124a than the narrow region 136 is to the fixed end 124a. The narrow region 136 can be disposed between the wider region 152 and a second wider region (not shown) disposed between the narrow region 136 and the free end 124b.

(32) In certain embodiments, the narrow region 136 can be created by a flexible member 138. Optionally, the flexible member 138 comprises a first flexible member 138a and a second flexible member 138b. Optionally, the first flexible member 138a and/or the second flexible 138b member comprise a cantilever extending from the cylindrical wall 128. In certain embodiments, the first flexible number 138a is on an upper side of the socket 124 and the second flexible member 138b is on a lower side of socket 124 and create the narrow region 136. In another embodiment, the flexible member 138 extends from the cylindrical portion 128 into the concave space 148. First and second slits 139a, 139b can separate the flexible member 138 from the cylindrical portion 128 on least two sides. The first and second slits 139a, 139b can enable greater flexibility of the flexible member 138.

(33) Referring to FIG. 4B, in certain embodiments, the elongate rib 114 comprises a widened segment 118 and an adjacent segment 116 on inner end 114a of the elongate rib 114. Optionally, the widened segment 118 is inserted through the opening 134 into the concave space 148 and is secured in the space 148 by the flexible member 138a and/or the flexible member 138b. Optionally, the widened segment 118 is inserted into the free end of 124b of the socket 124 towards the fixed end 124a of the socket 124.

(34) In certain embodiments, the narrow region 136 can be temporarily expanded by the widened segment 118 to provide access for the widened segment 118 to the wider region 152 of the concave portion 148. In such a configuration the elongate rib 114 can be securely fastened within the concave space 148 by the flexible member 138a and/or the flexible member 138b. In certain embodiments, the flexible members 138a, 138b comprises an elastic material. Optionally, the elastic material of the flexible members 138a, 138b can be elastically to accommodate the passage of the widened segment 118 of the elongate rib 114 past the narrow region 136 when the rib 114 is inserted into the concave space 148. Optionally, the wider region 152 of the concave space 148 is sized to accommodate the widened segment 118 of the elongate rib 114. Optionally, the deflectable members 138a and/or 138b can be configured to be deflected away from the narrow region 136 of the concave space 148 by advancing the elongate rib into the free end 124b and toward the fixed end 124a. Optionally, the deflectable members 138a and/or 138b can be configured to be deflected away from the narrow region 136 of the concave space 148 by advancing the elongate rib 114 into the free end 124b and toward the fixed end 124a and to return toward the center of the concave space 148 upon further advancement of the elongate rib 114 into the socket 124.

(35) In certain embodiments, the access aperture 140 provide an access to the concave space 148, as discussed above. Optionally, the access aperture 140 can extend through the cylindrical wall 128. In one embodiment the access aperture 140 is at least partially aligned with the wider region 152 of the concave space 148. Optionally, the second access aperture 144 can be aligned with the wider region 152. In another embodiment, the access aperture 140 and/or the second access aperture 144 is aligned with the wider region 152. Optionally, the access apertures 140, 144 are aligned with the wider region 152 at a top location and a bottom location, respectively, on the socket 124. Each of the above configurations of the access apertures 140, 144 allows for easy access to the wider region 152 for convenient removal. The access aperture 140 can be rectangular or elongate in shape when viewed from above, an embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 2. The access aperture 140 can extend from a back wall 125 of the socket 124 to the flexible member(s) 138.

(36) Referring to FIG. 4C, in some embodiments, the flexible member 138a comprises an inclined surface 160 and a catch surface 164. Optionally, the inclined surface is at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the socket 124. Optionally, the catch surface 164 is at a transverse angle to the inclined surface 160. The catch surface 164 can be disposed to face away from the inclined surface 160. The catch surface 164 can be configured to face the cylindrical portion 122. Optionally, when the widened segment 118 of the rib 114 is inserted into the concave space 148, the widened segment 118 slides along the inclined surface 160. Optionally, the widened segment 118 pushes the flexible member 138a outward and thereby widens the narrow region 136 sufficiently for the widened segment 118 to pass through to the wider region 152. Optionally, once the widened segment 118 is pushed past the narrow region 136, the flexible member 138a returns towards the longitudinal axis of the socket 124. Optionally, the catch surface engages with a stepped surface 168 of the widened segment 118 at an engagement angle after the widened segment 118 is fully through the narrow region 136 and/or the flexible member 138a returns towards the longitudinal axis of the socket 124. The stepped surface 168 can be on a radially exterior surface of the widened segment 116. The engagement of the catch surface 164 with the stepped surface 168 at the engagement angle can prevent the widened segment 118 of the rib 114 from being extracted from the concave space 148. The engagement angle can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rib. The catch surface 164 can be parallel or substantially parallel to the stepped surface 168. Although the access apertures 140, 144 are optional if present, orienting the catch surface 164 and the stepped surface 168 along the direction from the aperture 140 to the aperture 144 facilitates simple ejection of the widened segment 118. Other angles can be provided where no ejection or other means of ejection of the widened segment is contemplated.

(37) FIG. 5 shows that the inner end 114a of rib 114 can comprise the widened segment 118 and the adjacent segment 116. Optionally, the widened segment 118 comprises a segment that is wider in a first direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rib 114 than is the adjacent segment 116. Optionally, the adjacent segment is narrower than the widened segment 118 in at least one dimension. Optionally, the widened segment 118 comprises a low profile in a second direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rib 114. The second direction can be perpendicular to the first direction. The widened segment 118 can have a flattened portion in the second direction, the flattened portion can have an oblong, e.g., a rectangular cross section. Optionally, the adjacent segment 116 comprises a segment that has a round diameter having a circular or elliptical cross section. The inner end 114a can also comprise the stepped surface 168 on the widened segment 118.

(38) In certain embodiments, the elongate body 114c comprises a segment that has a round diameter having a circular or elliptical cross section. Optionally, the elongate body 114c and the adjacent segment 116 have the same profile. Optionally the elongate body 114c comprises a solid circular diameter that extends along the longitudinal axis of the rib 114 throughout the length of the elongate body 114c. Optionally, the adjacent segment 116 has a solid circular diameter that extends along the longitudinal axis of the rib 114 throughout the length of the adjacent segment 116.

(39) Referring to FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, the opening 134 in the first end 124a of the socket 124 comprises a keyhole section 134c. Optionally, the opening 134 can also comprise a first wing section 134a and a second wing section 134b extending from the keyhole section 134c. In one embodiment, the first wing section 134a is disposed on an opposite side of the keyhole section 134c from the second wing section 134b. Optionally, the opening 134 can be configured such that the inner end 114a of the elongate rib 114 can be inserted into the concave space 148 of the socket 124. In one embodiment, the wing sections 134a, 134b can accommodate the widened segment 118 of the inner end 114a. In another embodiment, the adjacent segment 116 can be accommodated in the opening 134 by the keyhole section 134c of the opening 134. The wing sections 134a, 134b can align with the ramp portions 160 of the flexible members 138a, 138b. Optionally, the cross section of the adjacent segment 116 corresponds to the keyhole section 134c. Each of the features of the opening 134 is optional and many other configurations for the opening 134 also can be provided and the description should not be considered limiting in this regard.

(40) Optionally, the narrow region 136 in the concave portion 148 created by the flexible members 138a, b is sized to accommodate the cross section or diameter of the adjacent segment 116 in a substantially undeflected state or configuration. Optionally, the flexible members 138a, b extend into the concave space 148 as far as the surface of the adjacent segment 116. Optionally, the flexible members 138a, b extend into the concave space 148 beyond the surface of the adjacent segment 116 and can thereby remain in contact with the surface 116 after the rib 114 is inserted into the socket 124. Optionally, the flexible members 138a, b extend into the concave space 148 beyond the widened segment 118 but not as far as the surface of the adjacent segment 116. Optionally, the widened segment 118 becomes trapped after being inserted into the socket 124 when an orthogonal surface of each of the members 138a, 138b abuts aa surface or surfaces of the widened segment 118 that extends between the inner end 114a and the adjacent segment 116. The abutting of these surfaces locates the surfaces of the flexible members 138a, 138b between the widened segment 118 and the adjacent segment 116, blocking the rib 114 from coming out of the concave space 148.

(41) Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in another embodiment of a hub 220, a socket 224 can comprise a free end 224b and a fixed end 224a. Optionally, the fixed end 224a is either pivotally coupled or pivotally fixed with respect to the cylindrical portion 222 (not shown) of the hub 220. Optionally, the socket 224 can further comprise a concave space 248. Optionally, the concave space 248 can comprise a wider region 252 and a narrow region 236. Access to the concave space 248 can optionally be through an opening 234. Optionally, the opening 234 is on the free end 224b of the socket 224. Optionally, the narrow region 236 is formed by an elastic portion of the cylindrical wall 228 that extends into the concave space 248. In other embodiments, the narrow region 236 is created by a pair of flexible members similar to the flexible members 138a, 138b as described above. The socket 224 can further comprise at least one access aperture 240. Optionally, the cylindrical wall includes a first catch surface 164 and a second catch surface 165 at opposite ends of the narrow region 236. The at least one access aperture 240 can extend through the cylindrical walls 228 into the concave space 248. In one embodiment, the at least one access aperture 240 provides access through the cylindrical wall 228 to the widened portion 252 of the concave space 248.

(42) In some embodiments, the elongate rib 214 comprises an inner end 214a and an outer end 218b (not shown) and an elongate body 214c. First end 214a can comprise a widened portion 218 and an adjacent portion 216. In one embodiment, the widened portion 218 is wider than the adjacent portion 216 in at least one dimension transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongate rib 214. Optionally, the first end 214a comprises a tapered or beveled segment 218a. The tapered or beveled segment 218a can aid in a process of inserting the inner end 214a of the elongate rib 214 into the socket 224. In some embodiments, the rib 114 comprises a first stepped surface 268 and a second stepped surface 269.

(43) In certain embodiments, the elongate rib 214 is configured to be inserted into the socket 224 through the opening 234 in an inwardly radial direction. In one embodiment, the inner end 214a is inserted into the opening 234 and into the concave space 248. The inner end 214a can then be pushed through the narrow region 236 and the widened segment 218 can pass into the widened region 252 of the concave space 248. In one embodiment, the entire widened segment 218 passes into the widened region 252 of the concave space 248. In another embodiment, the adjacent segment 216 passes into the narrow region 236. In certain embodiments, when the inner end 214a is inserted into the narrow region 236, the widened segment 218 elastically deforms the elastic portion of the cylindrical wall 228 outward; as the widened segment 218 passes out of the narrow region 236, the elastic portion of the cylindrical wall returns inward. In another embodiment, the widened segment 218 of the elongate rib 214 flexes the flexible member and thereby sufficiently widens the narrow region 236 for the widened segment 218 to pass through. In some embodiments, when the widened segment 218 passes into the widened region 252, the first catch surface 264 engages with the first stepped surface 268. Optionally, the first catch surface 264 and the first stepped surface 268 can be opposing faces that are substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rib 214. Thereby, the widened segment can be prevented from being removed from the widened region 252 in an outwardly radial direction. In some embodiments, when the adjacent segment 216 passes fully into the narrow region 236, the second catch surface 265 engages with the second stepped surface 269. Optionally, the second catch surface 265 and the second stepped surface 269 can be opposing faces that are substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rib 214. Thereby, the adjacent segment 216 can be prevented from being pushed further into the socket 224 in an inwardly radial direction.

(44) Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, according to certain methods, an elongate rib 114 is inserted into the socket 124 and afterwards there is an occasion or reason to remove the elongate rib from the socket 124. Such an occasion or reason can include such as when the elongate rib 114 is broken or it otherwise becomes necessary for the remaining portion of the elongate rib 114 to be removed from the concave space 148. In such an instance, the access aperture 140 can be used within a method for removing the elongate rib 114. According to one method of replacing an umbrella rib, the method comprises accessing the inner end 114a of the umbrella rib 114 through the access aperture 140, severing the inner end 114a of the umbrella rib 114 from the elongate body 114c, ejecting the a severed end 118a of the umbrella rib 114 from the socket 124 through the access aperture 140, and removing the elongate body 114c from the concave space 148 through the free end 124b of the socket 124. Optionally, a cutting instrument can be used to sever the widened segment 118 from the adjacent segment 116 through the access aperture 140 or the second access aperture 144.

(45) Optionally, once the widened segment 118 is severed to form the severed end 118a, the elongate rib 114 is removed from the concave space 148. Once the previous elongate rib 114 is removed, a new elongate rib 114 can be inserted into the socket 124 in the same manner as the original elongate rib was inserted. Thus the access aperture 140 provides additional benefit of providing an efficient means for replacing individual elongate ribs.

(46) In another method, the rib 114 can be inserted into the socket 134. Optionally, the method comprises any combination or subcombinations of the following: aligning the widened segment 118 of the inner end 114a of the elongate rib 114 with the opening 134 of the socket 124, inserting the inner end 114a into the concave space 148, contacting the flexible member 138 with the widened segment 118, actuating the flexible member 138 through elastic deformation, widening the narrow region 136, inserting the inner end 114 of the elongate rib 114 inner end 114 of the elongate rib 114, inserting the widened segment 118 into the wider region 152, aligning the widened segment with the access aperture 140, and trapping the widened segment 118 in the wider region by allowing the flexible member 138 to return to form the narrow region 136 and thereby blocking the removal of the widened segment 118.