Parasol sections / baleinen / walebones/ spokes

Sitting under the parasol, I look up and see the ribs of the umbrella come together in the rafters. 

Earlier, from the 17th to the 20th century whalebone was used for example in the spokes of an umbrella or parasol and women's clothing such as corsets and hoop skirts. It was also used in baleen baskets. However, the spokes of an umbrella is still called whalebone, even though they are now made of metal. The term rib is still used for plastic or metal reinforcement in corsets, crinolines or a lapel.