Umbrella having structural rib configured to receive electrical components and associated wiring

An umbrella, comprising:

• a first support member;
• a plurality of elongated ribs supported by said first support member;
• and
• a canopy supported by said plurality of elongated ribs,
• wherein at least one of said plurality of elongated ribs has, in cross section,
• a bottom wall;
• a first upstanding side wall extending upward from said bottom wall to an upper side wall end;
• a second upstanding side wall extending upward from said bottom wall to the upper side wall end;
• a web extending between said first and second side walls at a location intermediate said bottom wall and said upper side wall ends, said web and portions of said first and second side walls above said web forming a channel, and said web and portions of said first and second side walls below said web forming a cavity;
• a first hole extending through said web;
• and
• a second hole extending through said bottom wall generally in coaxial alignment with said first hole;
• a bulb extending from below said second hole, up through said cavity, to said first hole, whereby the bulb may be readily accessed from said channel for insertion into or removal from said cavity, and
• wherein an electrical conductor runs from the bulb along said channel, to a source at electrical power.