Construction Craft with Connectable Base Plates

Abstract

A toy construction craft utilizing construction elements including modular building blocks comprises a base plate usable with a template that directs the user to create a scene and/or usable with a base joiner that enables multiple base plates to be removably connected to form a larger playing surface. The base plate comprises a flat base and an outer flange. The flat base includes a substantially planar building surface configured with forward-facing coupling studs for being interconnected with toy building elements having complementary coupling means, and the flat base includes rearward-facing protrusions that can interface with the template and/or with the base joiner. Additional optional accessories and specialized blocks are also provided, including one or more graphic segments and a frame.

Claims

1. A construction craft utilizing modular building blocks each of which has a male stud and a complementary, opposing female coupling structure, comprising: a transparent base plate comprising a flat base having at least three outer edges, an outer flange, multiple forward-facing base studs, and multiple rearward-facing protuberances; wherein said base studs extend upwardly from said flat base, are integrally formed with said flat base, and are configured to receive said block female coupling structure; wherein said rearward-facing multiple protuberances extend rearwardly from said flat base and are integrally formed with said flat base; and a template sheet sized and configured to be received below said base plate and having at least one area of designation configured with guidance indicia comprising multiple guidance indicium; wherein said template sheet is configured with internal alignment holes defined by internal alignment hole edges; wherein each of said internal alignment holes will accommodate one of said rearward-facing multiple protuberances; and wherein said guidance indicia provides information to indicate a height of at least one of said modular building blocks that is designated to be attached to said particular one of said base studs; and wherein, upon placement of multiple designated ones of said modular building blocks on ones of said base studs, a three-dimensional block construction structure is created.

2. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1, wherein said guidance indicium is associated with a particular one of said base studs and comprises a number on a colored field, indicating both said height and a color of said of at least one of said modular building blocks that is designated to be attached to said particular one of said base studs.

3. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a pop-up decorative piece having a decorative top surface; wherein said pop-up decorative piece is attachable to said construction craft.

4. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a thin pop-up decorative piece having a decorative top surface and having multiple attachment holes defined by attachment hole edges extending vertically through said thin pop-up decorative piece; wherein said attachment holes have a larger diameter than the diameter of said male stud of said modular building block; and wherein the spacing between said attachment holes corresponds to the spacing between said base studs of said base plate.

5. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a frame having a rear portion configured to accommodate said template sheet and said base plate.

6. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a platform block having an upper platform with flat top surface and having an opposing lower female coupling structure that is complementary to said base studs of said base plate.

7. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a base joiner configured with multiple receiving voids each defined by a void wall; wherein: a portion of said outer flange extends along each of said outer edges of said flat base; a flange corner is formed where two of said portions of said outer flange meet; one of said multiple rearward-facing protuberances is disposed near said flange corner; and one of said multiple receiving voids is configured to receive said one of said multiple rearward-facing protuberances disposed near said flange corner.

8. The construction craft, as recited in claim 7, wherein: said flange is configured with at least two slits defined by slit edges; said at least two slits are disposed near said flange corner; said base joiner comprises support structures disposed between each of said multiple receiving voids; and each of said at least two slits are configured to removably receive one of said support structures of said base joiner.

9. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a separable hanger having a back configured with a keyhole and having at least two hanger female coupling structures configured to receive one of said multiple rearward-facing protuberances.

10. The construction craft, as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one graphic segment.

11. A construction craft utilizing modular building blocks each of which has a male stud and a complementary, opposing female coupling structure, comprising: a base plate comprising a flat base having at least three outer edges, an outer flange, multiple forward-facing base studs, and multiple rearward-facing protuberances; wherein said base studs extend upwardly from said flat base, are integrally formed with said flat base, and are configured to receive said block female coupling structure; wherein said rearward-facing multiple protuberances extend rearwardly from said flat base and are integrally formed with said flat base; wherein a portion of said outer flange extends along each of said outer edges of said flat base; wherein flange corners are formed where two of said portions of said outer flange meet; wherein one of said multiple rearward-facing protuberances is disposed near said flange corner; and a base joiner comprising at least two void walls defining at least two receiving voids; wherein each of said receiving voids removably accommodates said one of said multiple rearward-facing protuberances disposed near said flange corner.

12. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, wherein: said flange is configured with at least two slits defined by slit edges; said at least two slits are disposed near said flange corner; said base joiner comprises support structures disposed between each of said at least two receiving voids; and each of said at least two slits are configured to removably receive one of said support structures of said base joiner.

13. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, wherein: said base joiner comprises four void walls defining four receiving voids; and said base joiner comprises four support structures.

14. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, wherein said base is substantially transparent; and further comprising a template sheet sized and configured to be received below said base plate, having alignment holes extending vertically through said template sheet defined by alignment hole edges configured to receive said rearward-facing protuberances, and having at least one area of designation configured with guidance indicia comprising multiple guidance indicium; wherein, when said template sheet is positioned below said base plate, each guidance indicium is positioned under a particular one of said base studs and each guidance indicium provides information to indicate both a height and a color of at least one of said modular building blocks that is designated to be attached to said particular one of said base studs; wherein, upon placement of multiple designated ones of said modular building blocks on correlating ones of said base studs, a three-dimensional block construction structure is created.

15. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, further comprising at least one graphic segment having a decorative top surface and configured to extend beyond said base plate outer flange.

16. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a pop-up decorative piece having a decorative top surface; wherein said pop-up decorative piece is attachable to said construction craft; and wherein said pop-up decorative piece, upon attachment to said construction craft, extends past said outer flange of said base plate.

17. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a thin pop-up decorative piece having a decorative top surface and having multiple attachment holes defined by attachment hole edges extending vertically through said thin pop-up decorative piece; wherein said attachment holes have a larger diameter than the diameter of said male stud of said modular building block; and wherein the spacing between said attachment holes corresponds to the spacing between said base studs of said base plate.

18. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a frame having a rear portion configured to accommodate said template sheet, said base plate, and said at least one graphic segment.

19. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, further comprising: a platform block having an upper platform with flat top surface and having an opposing lower female coupling structure that is complementary to said base studs of said base plate; an ornamental platform element having a flat bottom surface and a decorative top surface; and an attachment means for attaching said ornamental platform element to said flat top surface of said platform block.

20. The construction craft, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a separable hanger having a back configured with a keyhole and having at least two hanger female coupling structures; wherein said base plate is configured with at least two rearwardly-facing male coupling structures complementary to said at least two hanger female coupling structures.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the basic first embodiment of the construction craft of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the discrete template aspect.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention that includes a magnified portion.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a top view of the base plate of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the base plate-integrated template aspect.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention that provides a first frame variation added to the elements of the basic first embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a detail view of circle 7 of FIG. 6.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a detail view of circle 8 of FIG. 6.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a detail view of circle 9 of FIG. 6.

[0030] FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a detail view of circle 11 of FIG. 10 of the second embodiment of the present invention showing a frame-integrated hanger.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a top view of a partially assembled system of the second embodiment of the present invention, with the template sheet and transparent base plate secured by the frame and ready for the user to build upon and the with the first block placed on the base.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a detail view of circle 13 of FIG. 12 of a frame closure mechanism of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention with the first block placed on the base.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a side view of a partially assembled system of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a detail view of circle 16 of FIG. 15 of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the assembled frame of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a side view of FIG. 17.

[0039] FIG. 19 is a top view of an exemplary assembled system of the third embodiment of the present invention, which includes a second frame variation and added pop-up decorative pieces building elements.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention that is at least partially assembled.

[0042] FIG. 22 is a detail view taken from circle 22 of FIG. 21.

[0043] FIG. 23 is a detail view taken from circle 23 of FIG. 20.

[0044] FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic top view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic side view of FIG. 24.

[0046] FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic bottom view of FIG. 24.

[0047] FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic cut view looking along line 27 of FIG. 24 of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 28 is a detail view taken from circle 28 of FIG. 27.

[0049] FIG. 29 is a detail view taken from circle 29 of FIG. 27.

[0050] FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic top exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which includes a hanger, template sheet, base plate, graphic segment, frame, standard modular building blocks, and platform-topped blocks with associated ornamental platform elements.

[0051] FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the frame and platform-topped blocks for receiving the ornamental platform elements.

[0052] FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the frame and platform-topped blocks with attached ornamental platform elements.

[0053] FIG. 33 is a back view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the frame and hanger.

[0054] FIGS. 34-37 are top, side, top perspective and bottom views of the platform-topped block, respectively.

[0055] FIGS. 38-42 are exemplary designs of ornamental platform elements.

[0056] FIGS. 43-49 are top, top perspective, first side, second side, third side, bottom perspective, and top perspective views of the removably attachable hanger, respectively.

[0057] FIG. 50 is a bottom exploded view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which includes a removably attachable hanger, template, base plate, graphic segment, frame, standard blocks, platform-topped blocks, and ornamental platform elements.

[0058] FIGS. 51-55 show a first side view, second side view, third side view, fourth side view, and top view, respectively, of the completed fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 56 is a bottom perspective view of base joiners used to join multiple base plates of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 57 is a top perspective view of base joiners used to join multiple base plates of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 58 is a bottom perspective detailed view of a base joiner used to join multiple base plates of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of a detached base joiner and a detached modified base plate of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 60 is a top perspective detailed view of a corner of a base plate of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a construction craft integrating multiple construction elements. The construction elements include multiple ones of the following: a base plate 120, a template 110, a graphic segment 130, a frame 150, a separable hanger 140, a base joiner 500, and building elements 200. The building elements 200 include standard modular building blocks 101 and, optionally, pop-up decorative pieces 303 and/or platform-topped blocks 145 with associated ornamental platform elements 149, which cooperate to create the design of the 3-D structure 105.

[0066] The 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. The construction craft herein presented additionally and optionally provides a base joiner element that is usable to connect multiple base plates 120 to increase the playing surface.

[0067] Five embodiments are presented. The first four embodiments include the base plate 120, template 110 configured with guidance indicia 113 (FIG. 3) designating the proper modular building block 101 to create the 3-D design, and at least one graphic segment 130 for positioning above the base plate 120. In these embodiments, the user builds on top of the base plate 120 using building elements 200 (which include at least standard modular building blocks 101 and, optionally, pop-up decorative pieces 303 and/or platform-topped blocks 145 with associated ornamental platform elements 149), with the modular building blocks 101 positioned in a manner designated by the guidance indicia 113 carried by the template 110. Two types of hangers 165 are provided, a frame-integrated hanging feature 151 and a separable hanger 140. Two aspects of the template 110 are provided, one in which the template 110 is a discrete template sheet used with a transparent base plate 120, and one in which the template is integrated into the base plate.

[0068] The fifth embodiment includes at least multiple base plates 120 and at least one base joiner 500.

[0069] FIGS. 1-5 present a basic first embodiment in which the user builds on top of the transparent base plate 120 using a combination of graphic segments 130 and modular building blocks 101.

[0070] The second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6-18. The second embodiment includes the elements of the first embodiment, but also adds a multi-piece frame 170.

[0071] The third embodiment is shown in FIG. 19-29. The third embodiment includes the elements of the first embodiment, but also includes at least one pop-up decorative piece 303 and a second frame variation.

[0072] The fourth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 30-53. It includes the elements of the first embodiment with the addition of a third frame variation and the addition of platform-topped blocks 145 for receiving ornamental platform elements 149.

[0073] The fifth embodiment of FIGS. 56-60 includes at least the base plate 120 and the base joiner 500. The base plate 120 of the fifth embodiment is usable with the other construction elements of the first four embodiments.

[0074] Turning to FIGS. 1-2, the toy base plate 120 has an upper flat surface configured with upwardly-projecting male elements, projections, or studs 125 upon which a plurality of modular building blocks 101 are to be assembled based on the instructions provided at least by the guidance indicia 113 disposed in a designation area of the template 110.

[0075] The base plate 120 comprises 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 studs 125 for being interconnected with toy building elements 200 having complementary female coupling structures 135. The male coupling studs 125 are preferably arranged on the same side of the base plate 120 in equidistant rows.

[0076] In the aspect in which the template 110 is a discrete template sheet, shown in FIG. 2, the base plate 120 is necessarily transparent to allow viewing of the guidance indicia 113 on the template sheet positioned below the base plate 120. In the aspect in which the template 110 is integrated into the base plate 120, shown in FIG. 4, the guidance indicia 113 are applied to the base plate 120.

[0077] The standard toy modular blocks 101 are preferably formed of plastic material. They are configured with downward-opening female coupling structures 135 configured to fit onto the male studs 125 and are configured with upwardly-extending studs 125 that can accommodate a downward-opening female coupling structure 135 of another modular block 101. The female coupling structures 135 are sized and configured to coordinate with the male studs 125, but may be in any of a variety of shapes. For example, the female coupling structures 135 may be open cells (as seen in the modular building blocks 101 of FIG. 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 of FIGS. 37, 50), may be formed with or without ribs touching the outside of the male studs 125, or may be otherwise designed to frictionally connect onto the male studs 125.

[0078] In the aspect shown in FIG. 3, the template 110 is a separate sheet configured with guidance indicia 113 that, for each male stud 125, inform the user of the height of the modular block 101 to select (when the modular blocks 101 are provided in varying heights) and/or how many single unit modular blocks 101 will need to be stacked to achieve the designated height, which will then be attached to the particular upwardly-projecting stud 125 of the base plate 120. The user can view the template 110 below the base plate 120, because the base plate 120 is transparent. In a first aspect, the template 110 is a full color template. In this aspect, the guidance indicia 113 provides 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 plate 120 to create proper dimensions for the 3-D portion 105 of the craft. Additionally, the template sheet 110 may also indicate, by way of graphic design and/or die line, the location into or onto which the graphic segments 130 are to be placed.

[0079] In an example, if there is a blue square that includes a number 3 on the template sheet 110 that is immediately below a particular stud 125 on the transparent base plate 120, the user selects (as seen in FIG. 5) a three-high blue block 101 or three one-high blue blocks 101 (with the three blocks 101 stacked to achieve the three-high designation of the template) and places the blue block(s) having a height of 3 on that particular stud 125 on the transparent base plate 120. After the user places the first block 101 of appropriate color and height onto the upward projection, the user then notes the guidance indicium 113 below another blue stud, and the user selects the next correct block or blocks 101, and on and on, to create a pre-determined 3-D constructed structure 105 of blocks 101 in one or more areas of the base plate 120.

[0080] In some aspects, the guidance indicia 113 may 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 sheet 110. In other aspects, the template 110 may have guidance indicia 113 on both the top and bottom, such as a number designation on the top of the template sheet 110 and a color designation on the bottom surface of the template 110, or vice versa. In another aspect, the guidance indicia 113 may only provide numerical designations.

[0081] In the aspect in which the template 110 is integrated into the base plate 120, the guidance indicia 113 functions in the same manner.

[0082] The graphic segment 130 is 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 segment 130. The graphic segment 130 may be a single segment, but may be formed of multiple segments, as seen in FIG. 2. In the first embodiment, the graphic segment 130 is configured with downward-facing female coupling structures 135 as shown in FIG. 5 for engagement with the base plate 120. In another aspect (in embodiments that include a frame 150), the graphic segment 130 may be held in place through interaction with, or capture by, the frame 150 (FIG. 12). The graphic segment(s) 130 are used on top of the base plate 120 along with the blocks 101. The graphic segment(s) 130 fit 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 portion 105 of the construction craft. (Though shown diagrammatically in FIG. 20 with a rectangular inner edge, typically the graphic segment(s) 130 would be irregular to fit the construction craft design theme, as seen in FIGS. 2, 19.) These graphic segments 130 advantageously enable the block-constructed 3-D portion 105 of 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.

[0083] Turning to the second embodiment of FIGS. 6-18, a multi-piece frame 150 (FIG. 12) supports the transparent base plate 120, template sheet 110, and at least one graphic segment 130. In this embodiment, the frame 150 has at least an upper frame portion 170 and a lower frame portion 175, which are attachable together. For example, the attachment can be provided by a male snap portion 155 (FIG. 8) that can be manually connected to the female snap portion 178 (FIG. 7) to form the completed frame 150. FIGS. 12-13 show the assembled frame 150 with the male snap portion 155 engaged with the female snap portion 178.

[0084] The exploded view of FIG. 10 is inverted with the lower frame portion 175 facing upward to reveal a hanger 165, which in the second embodiment may be a frame-integrated hanging feature 151 (FIG. 11). The hanging feature 151 may be a hook, a keyhole or another standard hanging mechanism, as is known in the art. The hanging feature 151 may be disposed within the structure of the frame 150; for example, it may be created by incorporating the hanging feature 151 within the mold used to form the frame 150.

[0085] FIG. 17 shows a back view of the back of the frame 175 and back of the base plate 120. Optionally, the base plate back surface may be smooth (not shown), configured with indentions opposing the male studs 125 of the front surface (as shown), or may be configured with female coupling structures 135 identical to the female coupling structures 135 of the modular blocks 101.

[0086] FIG. 19 shows the pop-up decorative piece(s) 303 of the third embodiment, which may be utilized with the other embodiments. The one or more pop-up decorative pieces 303 complete the artistic composition with added dimensionality. The pop-up decorative pieces 303, can be attached in various ways. In one aspect, the pop-up decorative piece(s) 303 can be configured with attachment holes defined by attachment hole edges 313 (FIG. 23). The upwardly-projecting base studs 101 or block studs 302 (FIG. 20) protrude through the attachment holes defined by attachment hole edges 313; then an additional modular block 101 can be placed on top of the pop-up decorative piece 303 to secure it. In another aspect, the pop-up decorative piece(s) 303 may be applied by the user with adhesive, glue dots, or tape on top of the modular blocks 101 and/or on top of the graphic segment(s) 130 to complete the 3-D picture composition. This is advantageous because the construction is simplified compared to creating all graphic elements out of modular blocks 101, yet the integrity of the design image is maintained. In another aspect, the pop-up decorative pieces 303 physically extend above and beyond the edge of the frame 150 to visually break out of the frame 150, thereby providing a visual enhancement to the overall dimensional artistic composition of the construction craft.

[0087] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the elements used to create the dimensional artistic composition of the third embodiment. The frame 150 includes a lower frame portion 175 and an upper frame portion 170. Both the upper and lower frame portions 170, 175 are preferably formed of plastic. The upper frame 170 has an inner edge 304 defining a viewable opening and an outer edge 301. In one aspect, the lower frame 175 also has an interior opening defined by inner edge 308, while in a different aspect, the lower frame 175 extends fully from side to side to form a complete back frame portion. The lower frame 175 is attachable (preferably removably attachable) to the upper frame 170. For example, the lower frame 175 may be configured with multiple pegs 307 (FIG. 20) that are received by female receiving elements, whereby the pegs 307 of the lower frame 175 may be snapped into the female receiving elements of the upper frame 170.

[0088] The pop-up decorative piece or pieces 303 are building elements that are attachable to modular blocks 101 that are already attached to the base plate 120; they add an elevated graphical or illustrative presentation that enhances the artistic design of the construction craft. The pop-up decorative pieces 303 are 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 pieces 303 may be achieved by printing, imprinting, inscribing, embossing, adhering of a graphical decal or label, lamination with graphics, or otherwise embellishing the top surface.

[0089] The pop-up decorative piece 303 is designed to fit between two horizontal layers of modular blocks 101. In one aspect, when a pop-up decorative piece 303 goes between two horizontal layers of modular blocks 101, it is configured with attachment holes defined by hole edges 313 (FIG. 23) to receive the upward studs 302 on the blocks 101 and/or upward projections 125 on the base plate 120. In another aspect, adhesive, tape or glue dots may be used to attach the pop-up decorative pieces 303 onto the top of the blocks 101 or graphic segments 130; in this instance, the pop-up decorative piece 303 need not be configured with holes 313. Optionally, the pop-up decorative piece 303 may be configured with downward-facing female coupling structures 135 to connect to upward-facing studs 125 of the blocks 101 or of the base plate 120.

[0090] In this third embodiment, the clear plastic base plate 120 is configured with upward projections 125 and with multiple alignment holes 305, which could be in or near the corners of the base plate 120. One alignment hole 305 is shown in FIG. 20 in each corner of the base plate 120. Each alignment hole 305 is configured to accommodate a peg 307 extending upwardly from the frame corner. Though the illustration of FIG. 20 shows pegs 307 and alignment holes 305 in each corner, other locations are within the scope of the invention. Each alignment hole 305 is manually fitted onto each of the pegs 307 of the base. The pegs 307 may be disposed on the upper or lower frame, but are shown on the lower frame. Similarly, the template sheet 110 may be configured with alignment holes 306. The pegs 307 will help hold the template sheet 110, base plate 120, and any structures built upon the base plate 120 in place during play. To assemble the frame 150, the pegs 307 are inserted through the alignment holes 306 on the template sheet 110, the holes 305 on the studded base plate 120 and through holes 136 on the graphic segments 130 to finally snap into the upper frame portion 170.

[0091] In this embodiment, the template sheet 110 is shown with an unnumbered and undesignated border 114 and with a designation area 310 displaying guidance indicia 113. In another aspect, the template sheet 110 need 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 template 110 is integrated into the base plate 120 with the color and numeral designations applied directly to the base plate 120, which then does not need to be clear.

[0092] In FIG. 20 a single graphic segment 130 is shown, but optionally multiple graphic segments 130 can be used. The graphic segments 130 are fitted together following along the edge or edges of the built-up modular blocks 101, which necessarily have straight edges. The graphic segments 130 extend outward from the straight edges abutting the blocks toward or, preferably, past the frame 150.

[0093] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a partially assembled artistic composition in its frame 150 with graphic segments 130 in place, with some blocks 101 stacked, and with two pop-up decorative pieces 303 fitting between two layers of blocks on different levels. It also shows how pop-up decorative pieces 303 can extend beyond the outer limits of the frame 150 or break out of the frame 150. FIG. 22 is a detail of FIG. 21 showing the stacking of the modular blocks 101 with the pop-up decorative pieces 303 between them.

[0094] The detail of FIG. 23 shows the attachment holes defined by hole edges 313 on a pop-up decorative piece 303 that are to be fitted onto the studs 302 of the modular blocks 101. In another aspect, the holes 313 can fit onto the similar studs 125 on the plastic base plate 120, as seen in FIG. 25.

[0095] FIG. 24 is a top view of the assembled artistic composition illustrating that pop-up decorative pieces 303 may extend beyond the front of the front portion 170 of the frame 150.

[0096] The frame hanging feature 151 shown in the back view of FIG. 26 is of the keyhole type defined by edges 166. This frame hanging feature 151 will enable the user to hang the finished artistic composition. Preferably the frame hanging feature 151 is molded into the plastic of the lower frame 175. Also, in the aspect shown in FIG. 26, the lower frame 175 provides a full back sheet without an interior opening.

[0097] 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 elements 200 will be attached to create the artistic composition. To create the foundational structure, the user places lower frame 175 onto a surface for support, and then places the template sheet 110 into the frame recess 309 (FIG. 20). A clear plastic base plate 120 is then situated above the template sheet 110. Graphic segments 130 are situated above the base plate 120. Preferably all of these pieces have alignment holes 306, 305, 136 that are manually placed over pegs 307 of the lower frame 175. Then the upper frame portion 170 is engaged with the lower frame portion 175 to create a robust framed play surface structure for receiving blocks 101 and any pop-up decorative pieces 303 of the particular pre-determined design.

[0098] The user then looks at the guidance indicium 113 within the designation area 310 of template sheet 110 below a particular stud 125 to determine which modular block 101 is designated by the guidance indicium 113 to fit the pre-determined design. For example, a block 101 of the correct height and color is designated. This step is repeated with the other guidance indicia 113, adding blocks 101 as needed to complete the 3-D block construction 105 (FIG. 1) of the pre-determined design pattern. The graphic segments 130 are fitted around the block-constructed 3-D portion 105. One or multiple pop-up decorative pieces 303 are 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 feature 151.

[0099] The fourth embodiment, which presents a third aspect of the frame and two specialized blocks (a separable hanger 140 and a platform-topped block 145 with an associated ornamental platform element 149), is shown in FIGS. 30-53. As in the other of the first four embodiments, the construction elements include a template 110, base plate 120, graphic segment(s) 130, and frame 150, which are assembled to form a foundational play surface structure onto which the removable and replaceable building elements 200 will be attached. In this embodiment, the building elements 200 include standard modular building blocks 101 and platform-topped blocks 145 that receive the ornamental platform elements 149. The pop-up decorative pieces 303 of the third embodiment (not shown for clarity) may also optionally be used with the fourth embodiment.

[0100] FIG. 30 shows the exploded fourth embodiment from the front, while FIG. 50 shows it from the back. As can be seen in these images, the template sheet 110 may be configured with edge alignment holes 117 defined by edge alignment hole edges 116 and/or may be configured with internal alignment holes 119 defined by internal alignment hole edges 118. These holes 117 and/or holes 119 serve to position the template sheet 110 correctly as it is situated against the back surface of the base plate 120. Preferably the base plate 120 comprises exterior flanges 121 that have a depth greater than the depth of the template sheet 110, so the template sheet 110 fits within the back portion of the base plate 120.

[0101] The rear surface of the base plate 120 is configured with edge protuberances 127 (FIG. 50) and/or internal protuberances 129 that are sized and shaped to receive the edge alignment holes 117 and/or the internal alignment holes 119, respectively. These protuberances 127, 129, which are preferably integrally formed when the base plate 120 is molded, preferably have a length that is equal to or less than the depth of the exterior flanges 121, so the assembled construction craft lies flat. The protuberances 127, 129 may have cross sections that are circular, square, hexagonal, cross-shaped, or the like. The edge protuberances 127 and internal protuberances 129 may 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.

[0102] After installing the template sheet 110 by slipping the internal holes 119 over the protuberances 129, preferably a securing member 144 is attached to the end of each of the protuberances 129. The securing member 144 is a cap-like element with an internal receiving area configured to fit the external surface of the protuberance 129. The securing member 144 may be formed of rigid plastic, flexible plastic, rubber, rubber-like material, or the like.

[0103] Additionally, the base plate 120 is configured with a hanger receiver 123 that receives a separable hanger 140. The hanger receiver 123 comprises a base plate coupling member, and the separable hanger 140 comprises a complementary hanger coupling member. In the figures, the hanger receiver 123 is illustrated as two male coupling members formed of outwardly-protruding pegs, and the separable hanger 140 is illustrated with two female coupling structures 135 (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 hanger 140 may be configured with outwardly-projecting studs to fit into the female coupling structures of standard modular building block base plate, thereby allowing the hanger 140 to be used independently with conventional building block base plates if they have a rear surface formed to receive projecting male studs.

[0104] To accommodate the coupling of the separable hanger 140 to the hanger receiver 123 of the base plate, the template sheet 110 may be configured with a hanger provision cutout 112 defined by hanger provision edges 111 (FIG. 30).

[0105] In addition to the hanger coupling members shown as female coupling structures 135, the separable hanger 140, best seen in FIGS. 43-49, may have a backing 143 (FIG. 48), a flange 141, and a keyhole 139. The backing 143 forms a back plate with the flange 141 extending generally around the perimeter of the backing back plate 139. The flange 143 preferably has a depth less than the depth of the base plate flange 121. The keyhole 139, defined by keyhole edges 142, 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.

[0106] The fourth embodiment also provides a specialized type of building block, which is the platform-topped block 145 that is best seen in FIGS. 34-37. The platform block 145 has a lower part 143 configured with a standard coupling means, female coupling structure 135, which is sized and configured to frictionally engage with standard base plate male studs 125 or standard block studs 302. At the opposite end of the platform block 145 is a platform 147, which comprises an integrally formed thin, flat section. The platform 147 is illustrated as a flat disk, but may equally well take other shapes. For example, the upper surface 146 (FIG. 34) may be circular (as shown), square, rectangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, or may take the form of other regular or irregular geometric shapes. The platform 147 extends outwardly past the exterior portions of the block lower part 143. Preferably the width of the platform 147 is at least 50% greater than the width of the lower portion 143 and may have a width of many times the width of the lower portion 143. Preferably the height of the platform 147 is less than one half of the height of the lower part 143 of the block 145. The platform block 145 is formed of standard plastic block material.

[0107] The top surface 146 of a platform block 145 is designed and configured to receive an ornamental platform element 149. The ornamental platform element 149 to be received by the top surface 146 has an upper surface 156 that is decorative. Preferably the ornamental platform element 149 is rigid or semi-rigid, so it will hold its shape when attached to the platform block 145. Preferably the upper surface 156 displays a full-color graphic. In one aspect the ornamental platform element 149 may 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 surface 146. In another aspect, the ornamental platform element 149 may be a laminated cardboard, paperboard, or plastic sheet that is adhered to the surface 146 by adhesive. In one aspect a glue dot may be placed on the surface 146 to adhere the ornamental platform element 149.

[0108] The ornamental platform elements 149 provided in a single construction craft kit may be similar in shape, or as seen in FIGS. 38-42, 55 may be varied in shape. For example, in FIG. 55, the ornamental platform elements 149 complete the designed pattern by being shaped in the form of nose, ears, eyes, and tail. As seen in the side views of FIGS. 51-54, the platform blocks 145 may 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.

[0109] 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 elements 200 will be attached to create the artistic composition. To create the foundational structure, the user places the template sheet 110 under the base plate 120 and slips the internal holes 119 over the protuberances 129 and slips the edge protuberances 127 over the edge holes 117 with alignment notches 115 aligned with alignment element 124. A securing member 144 is attached to the distal end of each of the protuberances 129. The graphic element 130 is then situated into the back of the frame 150 with alignment element 134 aligned with a corresponding alignment element inside the frame 150. The transparent plastic base plate 120 and attached template 110 is then snapped into the back of the frame 150 by engaging complementary coupling members 128, 158 (FIG. 50). (Optionally, the graphic segment 130 may be situated above the base plate 120.)

[0110] The created foundational play surface structure is then complete. The user then attaches modular building blocks 101 (as designated by the guidance indicia 113), platform blocks 145 (as designated by guidance indicia 113 or by accompanying instructions), and any pop-up decorative pieces 303 of the particular pre-determined design, as described above. The associated ornamental platform elements 149 are then attached to the platform 147 via removal of a sheet covering an adhesive back and attachment of the adhesive back to the top surface 146, via the attachment of a glue dot to the top surface 146 and adherence of an associated ornamental platform element 149 to the glue dot, or via other attachment means.

[0111] FIGS. 56-60 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention that comprises at least one base joiner 500 and at least two modified base plates 400. The fifth embodiment enables the temporary joining of at least two base plates 400 to provide a larger playing surface with a larger number of forward-facing base studs 125 available for receiving modular building blocks 101 and other building elements 200. The connected base plates 400 can be disconnected to reduce the horizontal dimensions to reduce shipping costs and/or to improve ease of storage.

[0112] The base plates 400 and the base joiner 500 are frictionally engageable and disengageable to allow the user to quickly and easily connect and disconnect multiple base plates 400.

[0113] The base plates 400 of the fifth embodiment generally have the same configuration as the base plates 120 of the first four embodiments with the addition of a frictional engagement mechanism that interacts with a correlating frictional engagement mechanism of the base joiner 400. In one exemplary aspect, the frictional engagement mechanism is a rearward-facing internal protuberance 129 that is disposed near a corner of the base plate 400 but within the outer flange, which is designated as a rearward-facing corner protuberance 420. In this aspect, the base joiner 500 comprises a receiving void 520 defined by receiving void wall 521 (FIG. 58). The receiving void 520 is sized and configured to receive the rearward-facing protuberance 420. In an example shown in the figures, the rearward-facing protuberance 420 is a cross-shaped projection formed integrally with the base plate and extending rearwardly a distance equal to or less than the height of the outer flange. In the example shown in the figures, the receiving void 520 is the opening within a cylindrical tube having an interior diameter equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the rearward-facing protuberance 420.

[0114] Optionally, but preferably, when the base joiner 500 is used to join two or more base plates, the base plates are not elevated, but the flanges remain in the same plane as before the connection by the base joiner 500. This allows the bottom of the flanges to continue to contact the flat surface upon which it is to rest, such as the tabletop, floor, desk, etc. To facilitate this, in an aspect of the invention, a set of corner slots 410 defined by corner slot edges 411 are disposed a short distance from the corner of the base plate. One of the set of corner slots 410 is disposed within a first flange, and the other of the set of corner slots 410 is disposed within an adjacent second flange. In this aspect a support structure 510 (FIG. 56) is disposed between each set of adjacent void walls 521 of the base joiner 500. Each of the corner slots 410 is sized and shaped to receive one of the support structures 510, thereby allowing the base joiner 400 to slide down and remain above the plane defined by the bottoms of the base plate flanges.

[0115] One or more additional support structures 530 may be disposed within the base joiner 500 to add stability to the piece.

[0116] To connect multiple base plates using a single base joiner 500, two to four base plates 400 are obtained. The base plates 400 are aligned with their corners adjacent to each other and the rearward surfaces facing up. Then the base joiner 500 is positioned with the base joiner voids 520 aligned above the corresponding corner rearward-facing protuberances 420. The support structures 521 are simultaneously aligned with the corner slots 410. Then the base joiner 500 is pushed toward the flat base of the base plate with the rearward-facing protuberance 420 frictionally engaging with the joiner void walls 521, while simultaneously the support structures 521 are slid into the corner slots 410.

[0117] Though illustrated as a four-sided base plate, the base plate in any of the embodiments may have three or more sides. Though the receiving void wall 521 is shown as defining an open receiving void 520 to allow the base joiner 500 to be reversable. However, this is not required; the receiving void 520 may have one closed end.

[0118] 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.

[0119] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.