Abstract: A modular linkage device used for coupling ribs of a multi-foldable umbrella frame, includes first and second modular linking halves disposed to confront each other in a pivot direction, and respectively having pivotal and pivoting holes registered with each other, and a fastening member including a shank body configured to permit a retained end thereof to fit in the pivotal hole and pass through the registered pivoting hole to be detachably engaged with the second modular linking half while an enlarged abutment end is brought to abut against an outward major surface of the first modular linking half so as to couple the ribs. The fastening member is detachable from the linking halves to permit the shank body to be nondestructively disengaged from the linking halves.

Abstract: An automatic umbrella has a signaling device including sensor and alert units. The sensor unit has a first sensor mounted on one of a handle and a lower end of a central shaft, and a second sensor which is movable with a runner and which is configured to activate the sensor unit to emit a signal once a predetermined spatial relationship is established between the first and second sensors as a result of movement of the second sensor toward said first sensor once the runner is moved to reach the handle. The alert unit is mounted on the handle to receive the signal and generate an alert indication to indicate that the umbrella is in a closed state.

Abstract: An expandable shell of a suitcase includes first and second surrounding shell bodies mated with and stackable on each other and cooperatively defining an expandable accommodation chamber for increasing the volume of the suitcase. A control unit includes a pulling cord secured to the first surrounding shell body and reeled on a reel member that is mounted to the second surrounding shell body, and a pawl and ratchet teeth disposed to control the rotation of the reel member so as to adjust a distance between the first and second surrounding shell bodies and the volume of the expandable accommodation chamber.