Modular linkage device for coupling ribs of a rib assembly for a multi-foldable umbrella frame

A modular linkage device used for coupling one rib to the other rib, of a rib assembly for a multi-foldable umbrella frame, said modular linkage device comprising:

• an elongated first modular linking half having first inward and outward major surfaces opposite to each other in a pivot direction, and at least one pivotal hole extending through said first inward and outward major surfaces to define a pivotal axis;
• an elongated second modular linking half having second inward and outward major surfaces opposite to each other in the pivot direction, and at least one pivoting hole which extends through said second inward and outward major surfaces to register with said pivotal holes when said second inward major surface is brought to confront said first inward surface in the pivot direction for bringing the one rib into coupling with the other rib;
• and
• at least one fastening member including a shank body which has an enlarged abutment end and a retained end disposed lengthwise opposite to each other, said retained end being configured such that, immediately after said retained end is brought from said first outward major surface along a fastening route to fit in the pivotal axis, and to continue on passing frictionally through said pivoting hole, said retained end is detachably engaged with said second outward major surface while said enlarged abutment end is brought to abut against said first outward major surface, thereby coupling the one rib to the other rib, and such that, when said fastening member is to be detached from said first and second modular linking halves, said retained end is nondestructively disengaged from said second outward major surface, and said shank body is retrieved along the fastening route so as to be disengaged from said first outward major surface, thereby permitting one rib to be decoupled from the other rib.