Reinforced umbrella frame

Abstract

A rib assembly of reinforced umbrella frame comprises a plurality of latches each including a first connecting piece having a channel member and a second connecting piece having two parallel channels wherein channel member is aligned with one channel; a plurality of first ribs each inserted through and secured to the channel member and the aligned channel; and a plurality of second ribs each inserted through and secured to the other channel. The stretcher assembly includes a plurality of yokes each being pivotably coupled in a groove of the latch. The umbrella is more compact in a storage state.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A frame of an umbrella comprising: 
 a shank including a stationary hub secured at upper end thereof, an upper ring, and a lower ring both slidably mounted thereon;    a rib assembly including a plurality of latches, a plurality of first ribs, and a plurality of second ribs all equal in number wherein the latch has a first connecting piece, a second connecting piece, a seat coupled the connecting pieces together, and a recess between the connecting pieces, the first connecting piece has a channel member, the second connecting piece has a first channel aligned with the channel member and a second channel parallel with the first channel, the seat has a groove with a top open to the recess, the first rib is inserted through and secured to the channel member and the first channel, the second rib is inserted through and secured to the second channel, and top ends of the first and the second ribs are coupled to the hub; and    a stretcher assembly including a plurality of yokes, a plurality of stretchers, and a plurality of end pieces all equal in number to the ribs wherein the yoke comprises a shaft extended therein being pivotably coupled in the groove and the end piece is interconnected between the upper ring and the yoke.    
     
     
         2 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the first connecting piece further comprises a slope extended to the recess.  
     
     
         3 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the yoke further comprises a space with the shaft extended thereacross so that the first connecting piece is operable to insert through the space prior to mounting the shaft on the groove.  
     
     
         4 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the yoke further comprises a socket on one end opposite to the shaft for receiving one end of the stretcher.  
     
     
         5 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the stretcher comprises a sleeve having a bottom hole, further comprising a plurality of links each coupled between the lower ring and the bottom hole of the sleeve.  
     
     
         6 . A rib assembly of an umbrella frame comprising a plurality of latches each including a first connecting piece having a channel member and a second connecting piece having a plurality of channels wherein channel member is aligned with a first one of the channels; a plurality of first ribs equal in number to the latches, each first rib being inserted through and secured to the channel member and the aligned channel; and a plurality of second ribs equal in number to the latches, each second rib being inserted through and secured to a second one of the channels.  
     
     
         7 . The frame of  claim 6 , wherein the latch further comprises a recess and a groove open to the recess.  
     
     
         8 . The frame of  claim 6 , further comprising a yoke pivotal about the groove.  
     
     
         9 . The frame of  claim 8 , wherein the yoke comprises a shaft extended therein being pivotably coupled in the groove.  
     
     
         10 . The frame of  claim 7 , further comprising a slope extended to the recess.  
     
     
         11 . The frame of  claim 8 , wherein the yoke further comprises a space so that the latch is operable to insert through the space prior to mounting the shaft on the groove.  
     
     
         12 . The frame of  claim 8 , wherein the yoke further comprises a socket on one end opposite to the shaft for receiving one end of the stretcher.