A toy construction craft utilizing construction elements including modular building blocks comprises a base plate, template, one or more graphic segments, and an optional frame. The base plate is a substantially planar building surface arranged with coupling studs for being interconnected with toy building elements having complementary coupling means. The template is configured with at least one area of guidance indicia including at least numeral designation; each guidance indicia is viewed to inform the user as to the modular block(s) that should be attached to that particular stud. These designated blocks form the 3-D portion of the composition, while the graphic segment(s) augments the overall composition. The template may be a separate sheet disposed below the base plate or may be incorporated into the base plate. Additional accessories and specialized blocks are also provided.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toy construction crafts, and, more particularly, to an assembling system and method comprising a base plate for receiving building blocks, a template that includes guidance indicia to aid in placement of the building blocks to achieve a three-dimensional image, and attachable accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy construction crafts have an artistic and educational appeal as well as presenting an intellectual challenge. One type of construction craft is a three-dimensional (3-D) puzzle that utilizes puzzle pieces of varying thicknesses (some thinner and some thicker) and varying shapes to form a 3-D pictorial illustration. Other 3-D construction crafts are composed of associated elements that are assembled according to a pattern provided in a separate paper booklet. Though conventional toy construction crafts may serve to meet particular requirements, there remains the need for a new, innovative construction set that engages and entertains, while challenging the child's imagination and skills.

Accordingly, there is a need for a construction craft that provides new construction elements along with an innovative method of assembly to create an aesthetically pleasing and vertically-displayable final assemblage, thereby increasing the interest, entertainment, and educational value of the toy to the child user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a construction craft which provides for attachment of modular building blocks to form a 3-D puzzle portion of an assembled composition and which also incorporates additional construction elements to amuse the user by presenting further complexities to be solved by following the assembly instructions. All of the construction elements are affixed or adhered to the finished assemblage, thus producing a completed construction creation that is vertically displayable, such as on a wall. After completion of the construction craft, the construction elements may also be detached, providing repeat play value.

The displayable construction craft comprises the following construction elements: a base plate, a template (which may be a sheet for placement below a transparent base plate or may be incorporated into the base plate), building elements including modular building blocks attachable to the base plate that create a 3-D constructed area, one or more graphic segments providing background or adding artistic enhancement to the 3-D constructed area, and, preferably, a frame for consolidating the other construction elements.

The base plate is configured with upwardly-extending projections or male studs for receiving building elements with female coupling structures corresponding to, and attachable to, the male studs. The building elements may include standard modular building blocks, specialized platform-topped building blocks with associated ornamental platform elements, and pop-out decorative pieces, all of which cooperate to create the 3-D creative design.

The template is configured with at least one designation area of guidance indicia. In the aspect in which the template is a discrete sheet positioned below the base plate, each guidance indicium is viewed through the transparent base to inform the user through at least a numeral designation as to the height of the designated modular block or blocks that will be used on that particular projection. Preferably, a particular guidance indicium disposed below a particular projection also informs the user through a color designation of the proper color of the particular designated modular block to attach to the particular projection. The combination of multiple ones of the designated blocks forms the 3-D portion of the artistic composition, while the graphic segment(s) augments the overall composition, such as by providing background graphics. In this aspect with a separate template sheet, the first template sheet is exchangeable with other template sheets that provide directions for different designed patterns. Thus, in this aspect, the base plate is usable with multiple templates.

In the aspect in which the template is incorporated into the base plate, the guidance indicia function the same, but are inscribed, printed, imprinted or otherwise displayed on the base plate itself. In this aspect, the designated pattern is incorporated into the base plate, so to construct a different design, a different base plate that incorporates guidance indicia designating the different design is required.

The graphic segment or graphic segments are fitted around or adjacent to the constructed 3-D portion of the artistic composition.

The frame secures the base plate, discrete template, and graphic segment in place to allow the completed artistic composition to be built. Upon completion, an optional hanger also allows the user to conveniently hang the construction craft.

This 3-D numeral-designated construction craft provides unique integrated construction elements with a new method of assembly that utilizes more imagination and ingenuity than traditional two or three-dimensional puzzles and that, when completed, provides a more aesthetically pleasing artistic creation than traditional building block assemblages. Therefore, the educational and entertainment value are increased over conventionally provided puzzles and construction crafts.

Advantages of the three-dimensional integrated numeral-designated construction craft include the dimensionality of the complex finished art, the interesting mixed-media combinations of graphics with building blocks and other building elements, and the interesting yet straightforward method of assembly. The method of combining the colored images of the graphic segments with building elements is unique and enables the overall created artwork to be a smaller size than it could otherwise be without losing image details, which would occur if a constructed composition were to be built entirely of building blocks giving a bitmap effect. Optional building elements include flat platform-topped blocks that can receive flat-bottomed ornamental platform elements to add yet another artistic medium, adding to the creative aspect of the invention.

An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional integrated numeral-designated construction craft that integrates mixed media in creating an artistic composition, thereby increasing interest, educational, and entertainment value.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a three-dimensional numeral-designated construction craft integrating multiple construction elements. The construction elements include a template110, a base plate120, at least one graphic segment130, an optional frame150, an optional separable hanger140, and building elements200. The building elements200include standard modular building blocks101and, optionally, pop-up decorative pieces303and/or platform-topped blocks145with associated ornamental platform elements149, which cooperate to create the design of the 3-D structure105.

The three-dimensional integrated numeral-designated construction craft herein presented provides an activity or craft that, when assembled, creates a dimensional work of art or dimensional artistic composition or creation that can be vertically displayed.

Four embodiments are presented. All embodiments include the base plate120, template110configured with guidance indicia113(FIG. 3) designating the proper modular building block101to create the 3-D design, and at least one graphic segment130for positioning above the base plate120. In all embodiments, the user builds on top of the base plate120using building elements200(which include at least standard modular building blocks101and, optionally, pop-up decorative pieces303and/or platform-topped blocks145with associated ornamental platform elements149), with the modular building blocks101positioned in a manner designated by the guidance indicia113carried by the template110. Two types of hangers165are provided, a frame-integrated hanging feature151and a separable hanger140. Two aspects of the template110are provided, one in which the template110is a discrete template sheet used with a transparent base plate120, and one in which the template is integrated into the baseplate.

FIGS. 1-5present a basic first embodiment in which the user builds on top of the transparent base plate120using a combination of graphic segments130and modular building blocks101.

The second embodiment is shown inFIGS. 6-18. The second embodiment includes the elements of the first embodiment, but also adds a multi-piece frame170.

The third embodiment is shown inFIG. 19-29. The third embodiment includes the elements of the first embodiment, but also includes at least one pop-up decorative piece303and a second frame variation.

The fourth embodiment is shown inFIGS. 30-53. It includes the elements of the first embodiment with the addition of a third frame variation and the addition of platform-topped blocks145for receiving ornamental platform elements149.

Turning toFIGS. 1-2, the toy base plate120has an upper flat surface configured with upwardly-projecting male elements, projections, or studs125upon which a plurality of modular building blocks101are to be assembled based on the instructions provided at least by the guidance indicia113disposed in a designation area of the template110.

The base plate120comprises a rigid or partially rigid sheet or flat base that provides a substantially planar building surface arranged with a number of upwardly-protruding male coupling studs125for being interconnected with toy building elements200having complementary female coupling structures135. The male coupling studs125are preferably arranged on the same side of the base plate120in equidistant rows.

In the aspect in which the template110is a discrete template sheet, shown inFIG. 2, the base plate120is necessarily transparent to allow viewing of the guidance indicia113on the template sheet positioned below the base plate120. In the aspect in which the template110is integrated into the base plate120, shown inFIG. 4, the guidance indicia113are applied to the base plate120.

The standard toy modular blocks101are preferably formed of plastic material. They are configured with downward-opening female coupling structures135configured to fit onto the male studs125and are configured with upwardly-extending studs125that can accommodate a downward-opening female coupling structure135of another modular block101. The female coupling structures135are sized and configured to coordinate with the male studs125, but may be in any of a variety of shapes. For example, the female coupling structures135may be open cells (as seen in the modular building blocks101ofFIG. 50), may be formed with ribs inside cylinders, may be formed in any of various shapes (such as the square cells of platform-topped blocks ofFIGS. 37, 50), may be formed with or without ribs touching the outside of the male studs125, or may be otherwise designed to frictionally connect onto the male studs125.

In the aspect shown inFIG. 3, the template110is a separate sheet configured with guidance indicia113that, for each male stud125, inform the user of the height of the modular block101to select (when the modular blocks101are provided in varying heights) and/or how many single unit modular blocks101will need to be stacked to achieve the designated height, which will then be attached to the particular upwardly-projecting stud125of the base plate120. The user can view the template110below the base plate120, because the base plate120is transparent. In a first aspect, the template110is a full color template. In this aspect, the guidance indicia113provides a color to instruct a color pattern to follow and provides numbers instructing a dimensional pattern to follow; the provided guidance enables the user to build on top of the base plate120to create proper dimensions for the 3-D portion105of the craft. Additionally, the template sheet110may also indicate, by way of graphic design and/or die line, the location into or onto which the graphic segments130are to be placed.

In an example, if there is a blue square that includes a number “3” on the template sheet110that is immediately below a particular stud125on the transparent base plate120, the user selects (as seen inFIG. 5) a three-high blue block101or three one-high blue blocks101(with the three blocks101stacked to achieve the three-high designation of the template) and places the blue block(s) having a height of “3” on that particular stud125on the transparent base plate120. After the user places the first block101of appropriate color and height onto the upward projection, the user then notes the guidance indicium113below another blue stud, and the user selects the next correct block or blocks101, and on and on, to create a pre-determined 3-D constructed structure105of blocks101in one or more areas of the base plate120.

In some aspects, the guidance indicia113may have both the number designation (indicating to the user how high to stack the blocks) and color designation (indicating to the user what colors of blocks to stack) on one side of the template sheet110. In other aspects, the template110may have guidance indicia113on both the top and bottom, such as a number designation on the top of the template sheet110and a color designation on the bottom surface of the template110, or vice versa. In another aspect, the guidance indicia113may only provide numerical designations.

In the aspect in which the template110is integrated into the base plate120, the guidance indicia113functions in the same manner.

The graphic segment130is preferably a flat sheet (such as cardboard, paperboard, or laminated paper) with a decorative graphic printed, embedded, embossed, imprinted, adhered to, or otherwise embellishing the top surface of the graphic segment130. The graphic segment130may be a single segment, but may be formed of multiple segments, as seen inFIG. 2. In the first embodiment, the graphic segment130is configured with downward-facing female coupling structures135as shown inFIG. 5for engagement with the base plate120. In another aspect (in embodiments that include a frame150), the graphic segment130may be held in place through interaction with, or capture by, the frame150(FIG. 12). The graphic segment(s)130are used on top of the base plate120along with the blocks101. The graphic segment(s)130fit around the outside edges of the block grouping and/or among or between the blocks to form a suitable background and/or an illustration continuing or complimenting the block-constructed 3-D portion105of the three-dimensional integrated numeral-designated construction craft. (Though shown diagrammatically inFIG. 20with a rectangular inner edge, typically the graphic segment(s)130would be irregular to fit the construction craft design theme, as seen inFIGS. 2, 19.) These graphic segments130advantageously enable the block-constructed 3-D portion105of the image to appear to have organic shaped edges so that the eye is not limited to seeing straight edges, as would be the case if only blocks were used.

Turning to the second embodiment ofFIGS. 6-18, a multi-piece frame150(FIG. 12) supports the transparent base plate120, template sheet110, and at least one graphic segment130. In this embodiment, the frame150has at least an upper frame portion170and a lower frame portion175, which are attachable together. For example, the attachment can be provided by a male snap portion155(FIG. 8) that can be manually connected to the female snap portion178(FIG. 7) to form the completed frame150.FIGS. 12-13show the assembled frame150with the male snap portion155engaged with the female snap portion178.

The exploded view ofFIG. 10is inverted with the lower frame portion175facing upward to reveal a hanger165, which in the second embodiment may be a frame-integrated hanging feature151(FIG. 11). The hanging feature151may be a hook, a keyhole or another standard hanging mechanism, as is known in the art. The hanging feature151may be disposed within the structure of the frame150; for example, it may be created by incorporating the hanging feature151within the mold used to form the frame150.

FIG. 17shows a back view of the back of the frame175and back of the base plate120. Optionally, the base plate back surface may be smooth (not shown), configured with indentions opposing the male studs125of the front surface (as shown), or may be configured with female coupling structures135identical to the female coupling structures135of the modular blocks101.

FIG. 19shows the pop-up decorative piece(s)303of the third embodiment, which may be utilized with the other embodiments. The one or more pop-up decorative pieces303complete the artistic composition with added dimensionality. The pop-up decorative pieces303, can be attached in various ways. In one aspect, the pop-up decorative piece(s)303can be configured with attachment holes defined by attachment hole edges313(FIG. 23). The upwardly-projecting base studs101or block studs302(FIG. 20) protrude through the attachment holes defined by attachment hole edges313; then an additional modular block101can be placed on top of the pop-up decorative piece303to secure it. In another aspect, the pop-up decorative piece(s)303may be applied by the user with adhesive, glue dots, or tape on top of the modular blocks101and/or on top of the graphic segment(s)130to complete the 3-D picture composition. This is advantageous because the construction is simplified compared to creating all graphic elements out of modular blocks101, yet the integrity of the design image is maintained. In another aspect, the pop-up decorative pieces303physically extend above and beyond the edge of the frame150to visually break out of the frame150, thereby providing a visual enhancement to the overall dimensional artistic composition of the construction craft.

FIG. 20is an exploded view of the elements used to create the dimensional artistic composition of the third embodiment. The frame150includes a lower frame portion175and an upper frame portion170. Both the upper and lower frame portions170,175are preferably formed of plastic. The upper frame170has an inner edge304defining a viewable opening and an outer edge301. In one aspect, the lower frame175also has an interior opening defined by inner edge308, while in a different aspect, the lower frame175extends fully from side to side to form a complete back frame portion. The lower frame175is attachable (preferably removably attachable) to the upper frame170. For example, the lower frame175may be configured with multiple pegs307(FIG. 20) that are received by female receiving elements, whereby the pegs307of the lower frame175may be snapped into the female receiving elements of the upper frame170.

The pop-up decorative piece or pieces303are building elements that are attachable to modular blocks101that are already attached to the base plate120; they add an elevated graphical or illustrative presentation that enhances the artistic design of the construction craft. The pop-up decorative pieces303are preferably formed of cardboard or paperboard that may or may not be laminated or may be formed of printed or unprinted plastic. The preferably full-color graphical adornment of the top surface of the pop-up decorative pieces303may be achieved by printing, imprinting, inscribing, embossing, adhering of a graphical decal or label, lamination with graphics, or otherwise embellishing the top surface.

The pop-up decorative piece303is designed to fit between two horizontal layers of modular blocks101. In one aspect, when a pop-up decorative piece303goes between two horizontal layers of modular blocks101, it is configured with attachment holes defined by hole edges313(FIG. 23) to receive the upward studs302on the blocks101and/or upward projections125on the base plate120. In another aspect, adhesive, tape or glue dots may be used to attach the pop-up decorative pieces303onto the top of the blocks101or graphic segments130; in this instance, the pop-up decorative piece303need not be configured with holes313. Optionally, the pop-up decorative piece303may be configured with downward-facing female coupling structures135to connect to upward-facing studs125of the blocks101or of the base plate120.

In this third embodiment, the clear plastic base plate120is configured with upward projections125and with multiple alignment holes305, which could be in or near the corners of the base plate120. One alignment hole305is shown inFIG. 20in each corner of the base plate120. Each alignment hole305is configured to accommodate a peg307extending upwardly from the frame corner. Though the illustration ofFIG. 20shows pegs307and alignment holes305in each corner, other locations are within the scope of the invention. Each alignment hole305is manually fitted onto each of the pegs307of the base. The pegs307may be disposed on the upper or lower frame, but are shown on the lower frame. Similarly, the template sheet110may be configured with alignment holes306. The pegs307will help hold the template sheet110, base plate120, and any structures built upon the base plate120in place during play. To assemble the frame150, the pegs307are inserted through the alignment holes306on the template sheet110, the holes305on the studded base plate120and through holes136on the graphic segments130to finally snap into the upper frame portion170.

In this embodiment, the template sheet110is shown with an unnumbered and undesignated border114and with a designation area310displaying guidance indicia113. In another aspect, the template sheet110need not be integrated into the construction craft, but may merely be placed beside the construction craft unit and used as an instruction manual. In another aspect, the template110is integrated into the base plate120with the color and numeral designations applied directly to the base plate120, which then does not need to be clear.

InFIG. 20a single graphic segment130is shown, but optionally multiple graphic segments130can be used. The graphic segments130are fitted together following along the edge or edges of the built-up modular blocks101, which necessarily have straight edges. The graphic segments130extend outward from the straight edges abutting the blocks toward or, preferably, past the frame150.

FIG. 21is a perspective view of a partially assembled artistic composition in its frame150with graphic segments130in place, with some blocks101stacked, and with two pop-up decorative pieces303fitting between two layers of blocks on different levels. It also shows how pop-up decorative pieces303can extend beyond the outer limits of the frame150or “break out” of the frame150.FIG. 22is a detail ofFIG. 21showing the stacking of the modular blocks101with the pop-up decorative pieces303between them.

The detail ofFIG. 23shows the attachment holes defined by hole edges313on a pop-up decorative piece303that are to be fitted onto the studs302of the modular blocks101. In another aspect, the holes313can fit onto the similar studs125on the plastic base plate120, as seen inFIG. 25

FIG. 24is a top view of the assembled artistic composition illustrating that pop-up decorative pieces303may extend beyond the front of the front portion170of the frame150.

The frame hanging feature151shown in the back view ofFIG. 26is of the keyhole type defined by edges166. This frame hanging feature151will enable the user to hang the finished artistic composition. Preferably the frame hanging feature151is molded into the plastic of the lower frame175. Also, in the aspect shown inFIG. 26, the lower frame175provides a full back sheet without an interior opening.

To use the third embodiment of the invention, the user first assembles construction elements to create a foundational play surface structure onto which the removable and replaceable building elements200will be attached to create the artistic composition. To create the foundational structure, the user places lower frame175onto a surface for support, and then places the template sheet110into the frame recess309(FIG. 20). A clear plastic base plate120is then situated above the template sheet110. Graphic segments130are situated above the base plate120. Preferably all of these pieces have alignment holes306,305,136that are manually placed over pegs307of the lower frame175. Then the upper frame portion170is engaged with the lower frame portion175to create a robust framed play surface structure for receiving blocks101and any pop-up decorative pieces303of the particular pre-determined design.

The user then looks at the guidance indicium113within the designation area310of template sheet110below a particular stud125to determine which modular block101is designated by the guidance indicium113to fit the pre-determined design. For example, a block101of the correct height and color is designated. This step is repeated with the other guidance indicia113, adding blocks101as needed to complete the 3-D block construction105(FIG. 1) of the pre-determined design pattern. The graphic segments130are fitted around the block-constructed 3-D portion105. One or multiple pop-up decorative pieces303are attached, either between block layers or by adhesive means. Then the completed artistic composition may be hung on a wall by using the frame hanging feature151.

The fourth embodiment, which presents a third aspect of the frame and two specialized blocks (a separable hanger140and a platform-topped block145with an associated ornamental platform element149), is shown inFIGS. 30-53. As in the other embodiments, the construction elements include a template110, base plate120, graphic segment(s)130, and frame150, which are assembled to form a foundational play surface structure onto which the removable and replaceable building elements200will be attached. In this embodiment, the building elements200include standard modular building blocks101and platform-topped blocks145that receive the ornamental platform elements149. The pop-up decorative pieces303of the third embodiment (not shown for clarity) may also optionally be used with the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 30shows the exploded fourth embodiment from the front, whileFIG. 50shows it from the back. As can be seen in these images, the template sheet110may be configured with edge alignment holes117defined by edge alignment hole edges116and/or may be configured with internal alignment holes119defined by internal alignment hole edges118. These holes117and/or holes119serve to position the template sheet110correctly as it is situated against the back surface of the base plate120. Preferably the base plate120comprises exterior flanges121that have a depth greater than the depth of the template sheet110, so the template sheet110fits within the back portion of the base plate120.

The rear surface of the base plate120is configured with edge protuberances127(FIG. 50) and/or internal protuberances129that are sized and shaped to receive the edge alignment holes117and/or the internal alignment holes119, respectively. These protuberances127,129, which are preferably integrally formed when the base plate120is molded, preferably have a length that is equal to or less than the depth of the exterior flanges121, so the assembled construction craft lies flat. The protuberances127,129may have cross sections that are circular, square, hexagonal, cross-shaped, or the like. The edge protuberances127and internal protuberances129may have any of a number of shapes, such as a column having a circular cross section, square cross section, cross-shaped cross section, or a cross section of other regular or irregular shapes.

After installing the template sheet110by slipping the internal holes119over the protuberances129, preferably a securing member144is attached to the end of each of the protuberances129. The securing member144is a cap-like element with an internal receiving area configured to fit the external surface of the protuberance129. The securing member144may be formed of rigid plastic, flexible plastic, rubber, rubber-like material, or the like.

Additionally, the base plate120is configured with a hanger receiver123that receives a separable hanger140. The hanger receiver123comprises a base plate coupling member, and the separable hanger140comprises a complementary hanger coupling member. In the figures, the hanger receiver123is illustrated as two male coupling members formed of outwardly-protruding pegs, and the separable hanger140is illustrated with two female coupling structures135(FIG. 44) that attach to the male coupling members. However, the base plate coupling member and hanger coupling member can any complementary coupling members. For example, the hanger140may be configured with outwardly-projecting studs to fit into the female coupling structures of standard modular building block base plate, thereby allowing the hanger140to be used independently with conventional building block base plates if they have a rear surface formed to receive projecting male studs.

To accommodate the coupling of the separable hanger140to the hanger receiver123of the base plate, the template sheet110may be configured with a hanger provision cutout112defined by hanger provision edges111(FIG. 30).

In addition to the hanger coupling members shown as female coupling structures135, the separable hanger140, best seen inFIGS. 43-49, may have a backing143(FIG. 48), a flange141, and a keyhole139. The backing143forms a back plate with the flange141extending generally around the perimeter of the backing back plate139. The flange143preferably has a depth less than the depth of the base plate flange121. The keyhole139, defined by keyhole edges142, is configured in a conventional manner with a larger lower circle with an upper slot to accommodate a nail or screw head or the like.

The fourth embodiment also provides a specialized type of building block, which is the platform-topped block145that is best seen inFIGS. 34-37. The platform block145has a lower part143configured with a standard coupling means, female coupling structure135, which is sized and configured to frictionally engage with standard base plate male studs125or standard block studs302. At the opposite end of the platform block145is a platform147, which comprises an integrally formed thin, flat section. The platform147is illustrated as a flat disk, but may equally well take other shapes. For example, the upper surface146(FIG. 34) may be circular (as shown), square, rectangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, or may take the form of other regular or irregular geometric shapes. The platform147extends outwardly past the exterior portions of the block lower part143. Preferably the width of the platform147is at least 50% greater than the width of the lower portion143and may have a width of many times the width of the lower portion143. Preferably the height of the platform147is less than one half of the height of the lower part143of the block145. The platform block145is formed of standard plastic block material.

The top surface146of a platform block145is designed and configured to receive an ornamental platform element149. The ornamental platform element149to be received by the top surface146has an upper surface156that is decorative. Preferably the ornamental platform element149is rigid or semi-rigid, so it will hold its shape when attached to the platform block145. Preferably the upper surface156displays a full-color graphic. In one aspect the ornamental platform element149may be a vinyl decal or vinyl sticker displaying a color graphical image and having a removable backing protecting an adhesive layer, which is adhered to the surface146. In another aspect, the ornamental platform element149may be a laminated cardboard, paperboard, or plastic sheet that is adhered to the surface146by adhesive. In one aspect a glue dot may be placed on the surface146to adhere the ornamental platform element149.

The ornamental platform elements149provided in a single construction craft kit may be similar in shape, or as seen inFIGS. 38-42, 55may be varied in shape. For example, inFIG. 55, the ornamental platform elements149complete the designed pattern by being shaped in the form of nose, ears, eyes, and tail. As seen in the side views ofFIGS. 51-54, the platform blocks145may be positioned at different levels, such as at the top of the first level of blocks, at the top of a two-high block stack, at the top of a three-high block stack, etc.

To use the fourth embodiment of the invention, the user first assembles construction elements to create a foundational play surface structure onto which the removable and replaceable building elements200will be attached to create the artistic composition. To create the foundational structure, the user places the template sheet110under the base plate120and slips the internal holes119over the protuberances129and slips the edge protuberances127over the edge holes117with alignment notches115aligned with alignment element124. A securing member144is attached to the distal end of each of the protuberances129. The graphic element130is then situated into the back of the frame150with alignment element134aligned with a corresponding alignment element inside the frame150. The transparent plastic base plate120and attached template110is then snapped into the back of the frame150by engaging complementary coupling members128,158(FIG. 50). (Optionally, the graphic segment130may be situated above the base plate120.)

The created foundational play surface structure is then complete. The user then attaches modular building blocks101(as designated by the guidance indicia113), platform blocks145(as designated by guidance indicia113or by accompanying instructions), and any pop-up decorative pieces303of the particular pre-determined design, as described above. The associated ornamental platform elements149are then attached to the platform147via removal of a sheet covering an adhesive back and attachment of the adhesive back to the top surface146, via the attachment of a glue dot to the top surface146and adherence of an associated ornamental platform element149to the glue dot, or via other attachment means.

The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. The mirror image of each design is also disclosed.