Umbrella

Have you ever been stuck inside on a rainy day just because you don't have an umbrella? We've all been there, forced to make a choice between facing the weather unprotected, or sitting at home, bored and alone... Well, now you don't have to make that hard decision any more, thanks to JonnyBGood and nerfrocketeer! Our invention: the K'nex Umbrella (V2)!

This whole idea started a long time ago when JonnyBGood decided to do a mechanical engineering breakdown of an umbrella for a presentation. The first model was small and very bare basic but it was aimed at showing function rather than be pratically usable. Now with the help of the paper folding master, Nerfrocketeer, we brought out our image of a real umbrella to one out of knex. 

 So now instead of having to buy an Umbrella you can build a K'nex Umbrella (V2). Now you can go anywhere, at any time, and in any conditions!-All you need is some K'nex, some paper, tape, and a few other materials. Let's get building!

Step 1: Handle and Pole

A pretty straight forward step. Alternate the gray rods inorder to make a long handle. Feel free to make it longer if you need to.

Step 2: The Slide

This is the moving part of the umbrella that controls the movement. Notice how the red connector snapped to the blue rods have been moved all the way to the end of each blue rod. This will help you attach this piece to the handle more easily.

Step 3: The Slide Part 2

This is the part that you move to open and close the umbrella. Make sure to follow the pictures and let the blue connectors slide down the middle of the gray rods, not attached to anything. It's attached to the first part of the slide using the blue rods that are snapped to the red connectors on part 2.

Step 4: The Top

This part is important because like the slide it's responsible for making the umbrella open and close. It just doesen't move when that happens. This part is simply snapped to the top four gray connectors. The last picture on this step shows what you should have so far.

Step 5: The Arms

This part is the primary component of the umbrella without this, it's not really an umbrella now is it?  This part involves a lot of hinged points so make sure to build it carefully. Once you complete one, pat yourself on the back and build another three to accompany it! After that, attach the yellow rods to the orange connectors on the slide and the red rod to the red connector on the top. The last two pictures show how it should look afterward.

Step 6: Finished the Frame, Now Move on to Papering

Alright! You finished making the frame of the umbrella now all you have to do is cover the top!

Step 7: Papering: Tier One; Materials

For tier one you will need 4 sheets of 8.5x11in paper, a ruler, a pencil, a pair of scissors, and some scotch tape.

Step 8: Papering: T1; Measurements

First, arrange one piece of paper in landscape format. Next, measure and mark the top of the paper at the following inches from left to right: 2.5 in., 4.25 in., 6 in., and 8.5 in. Then on the bottom of the paper, measure from left to right again and mark the paper at 4.25 inches and 8.5 inches.

Step 9: T1; Lines and Cutting

Draw in a straight line connecting both 4.25 inch marks. Next, draw in lines from the two other central marks on the top to the bottom as shown. Next, cut out the shape along the two side lines and fold it in half along the center line. Make sure you only fold it in half one way!!!

Step 10: T1; Repeat

Repeat steps 8 and 9 three more times to get four pieces.

Step 11: T1; Attach

Attach the four pieces to each side of the top. When the umbrella is closed, the paper should fold outwards, as shown. The underside of the umbrella should not show any gaps.

Step 12: Tier Two Support; Pieces-Materials

You will need 8 pieces of paper, scissors, and tape.

Step 13: T2 Support; Pieces

Take a piece of paper and lay it out in landscape format. Next, roll it upwards to get a thick strip of paper. Repeat to make 8 strips.

Step 14: T2 Support; Pair Up

Separate the strips into pairs and tape them together. Bend each double strip in half.

Step 15: T2 Support; Attach

Attach the support strip to the umbrella as shown. You will need to cut the ends at an angle to make them fit.

Step 16: T2 Support; Repeat

Repeat for all 4 sides of the umbrella.

Step 17: T2; Main Body: Materials

You will need: 8 sheets of paper and some tape.

Step 18: T2; Piece One

Take a piece of paper and set it in landscape format. Then fold it in half "hamburger style" (shortways).

Step 19: T2; P1: Attach

Line up the folds and attach the paper to the umbrella. Next, cut a slit in the top of the paper along the fold.

Step 20: T2; P1: Repeat

Repeat for all 4 sides of the umbrella.

Step 21: T2; Piece 2

Take another piece of paper and set it in landscape format. Fold it over so that all but about a centimeter is covered. Do the same folding it the other way. Once folded, the paper should look like a book. Repeat to get four total.

Step 22: T2; P2: Attach

Attach the papers to the umbrella so that they cover the exposed corners. The "book spines" should be directly over the arms of the umbrella.

Step 23: Tier Three; Supports: Materials

You will need 28 pieces of paper, scissors, and some tape.

Step 24: T3; Supports: Pieces

Take a piece of paper and set it in landscape format. Next, roll it up to make a thick strip and add tape. Repeat to get seven strips.

Step 25: T3; Supports: Base Piece

Take three of the strips and tape them together to make one long strip. Next fold it in half. Finally, cut of the ends to taper them to the same angle as the umbrella arms.

Step 26: T3; Supports: BP- Attach

Attach the strip to the umbrella.

Step 27: T3; Supports: Top Piece

Take two strips of paper and tape them together to make one medium sized strip. Fold it in half.

Step 28: T3; Supports: TP-Attach

Attach the strip to the umbrella.

Step 29: T3; Supports: Middle Pieces

Take your last two strips and attach them to the umbrella as shown.

Step 30: T3; Supports: Repeat

Repeat steps 23-29 for the other three sides.

Step 31: T3; Main Body: Materials

You will need three pieces of paper and some tape.

Step 32: T3; MB: Piece

Take three pieces of paper and tape them together in landscape format. Fold the piece in half.

Step 33: T3; MB: Attach

Attach the piece to the umbrella. Tape back the corners as shown.

Step 34: T3; Repeat

Repeat for all sides of the umbrella.

Step 35: Top Piece; Cover

Draw a circle on a piece of paper, and cut it out. Make sure its the right size to cover the opening at the top of the umbrella. Add a piece of tape to one side and attach it.

Step 36: Done!!!

Congratulations!!! Your umbrella is complete! We hope you had fun making it! No longer will you have to brave the elements unprotected! If you have any questions about something while constructing the knex frame of the umbrella, or while adding paper and tape, feel free to contact JonnyBGood or nerfrocketeer and we'll be glad to help you out! Thank you for viewing our Instructable, enjoy your new K'nex umbrella!!!

-JonnyBGood and nerfrocketeer