Abstract: A boot having an expansion flap connected to the rear of a boot leg. The expansion flap is formed to extend generally rearwardly of the boot leg to allow easy ingress and egress of a user's foot into and out of the boot. A biasing device is connected between the expansion flap and the boot leg so as to cause the expansion flap to extend generally rearwardly of the boot leg when the boot is not being worn. A first fastener is carried on the expansion flap, a second fastener is carried on one side wall of the boot leg, and a third fastener is carried on another side wall of the boot leg, the second and third fasteners thereby allowing the expansion flap to be held in wrapped relation against either the one side wall or the other side wall, as selected by the boot's user, when the boot is being worn.

Abstract: An umbrella handle assembled from an inner sleeve fixed to the umbrella's centerpost, and a handle shell seated on that inner sleeve. The sleeve and shell each have a respective latch bores that are aligned to allow a latch button accessible from the exterior surface of the shell to operate an umbrella latch mechanism carried interiorly of the centerpost.

Abstract: An improved rib linkage joint for an umbrella where the rib linkage includes an inner rib and an inner linking spoke, both hingedly connected to a middle joint, that middle joint being fixed to one end of a middle rib. The inner rib, the inner linking spoke and the middle joint is each in the form of a strut having a U-shaped cross section with the slots thereof facing upward. A flexible middle linking spoke has one end hooked on a pin fixed between the strut side walls of the inner linking spoke adjacent the middle joint. This structure allows easier assembly of the rib linkage joint initially, as well as enhances compactness of the rib linkage when the umbrella is collapsed.

Abstract: An umbrella with a carrying strap retractable interiorly of the umbrella's handle to a storage position when use of the strap is not desired, and extendable exteriorly of the handle into a use position when it is desired to carry the umbrella with aid of the strap.