Custom multi-colored images applied to three dimensional products, such as polystyrene post production on an individual basis

Abstract

A base plate for supporting a plurality of interlocking building bricks includes a planar sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a plurality of nodes projecting from the top surface. The plurality of nodes includes a node having a vertical cylindrical wall and a horizontal top wall, the vertical cylindrical wall tapering along its vertical height; the node also having a bevel extending around a circumference of the node at an edge where the vertical cylindrical wall transitions to the horizontal top wall. A method of assembling a composite base plate includes securing two component base plates to one another via a common backing material. A method of printing on a base plate includes applying ultraviolet ink to at least the top surface of the base plate from an ultraviolet light printer, the base plate having a plurality of studs or nodes projecting from the top surface.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method of printing on a base plate, comprising
 applying ultraviolet ink to the base plate from an ultraviolet light printer, wherein   the base plate is a base plate for supporting a plurality of interlocking building bricks, the base plate comprising a planar sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a plurality of studs or a plurality of nodes projecting from the top surface, and   the ultraviolet ink is applied to at least the top surface of the planar sheet.   
     
     
         19 . The method of printing on a base plate according to  claim 18 , wherein
 the ultraviolet ink is applied to the planar sheet while the base plate is supported on a backing board.   
     
     
         20 . The method of printing on a base plate according to  claim 18 , wherein
 the ultraviolet ink is applied to the planar sheet while the base plate is subjected to a downward vacuum force.   
     
     
         21 . The method of printing on a base plate according to  claim 20 , wherein
 the ultraviolet ink is applied to the planar sheet while the base plate is supported on a backing board made of a vacuum enhancing material.   
     
     
         22 . The method of printing on a base plate according to  claim 18 , wherein
 a plurality of nodes projects from the top surface of the planar sheet, the plurality of nodes comprises a node having a vertical cylindrical wall and a horizontal top wall, the vertical cylindrical wall tapering along its vertical height, and the node comprises a bevel extending around a circumference of the node at an edge where the vertical cylindrical wall transitions to the horizontal top wall, and   the ultraviolet ink is applied to the plurality of nodes.   
     
     
         23 . The method of printing on a base plate according to  claim 22 , wherein
 a diameter of the vertical cylindrical wall of the node tapers continuously from a base of the node to the bevel extending around the circumference of the node, and   the ultraviolet ink is applied to at least a portion of the vertical cylindrical wall.   
     
     
         24 . The method of printing on a base plate according to  claim 22 , wherein
 the taper of the vertical cylindrical wall of the node has a taper angle ranging from about 2° to about 4°, as measured relative to an axis extending perpendicular to top surface of the planar sheet, and   the ultraviolet ink is applied to at least a portion of the vertical cylindrical wall.   
     
     
         25 . The method of printing on a base plate according to  claim 18 , wherein
 the ultraviolet ink is dried in placed by the application of ultraviolet light from one or more ultraviolet bulbs that are heated to a temperature of 300 to 500° F.   
     
     
         26 . The method of printing on a base plate according to  claim 18 , wherein
 the ultraviolet ink is applied to the planar sheet while the base plate is supported on a backing board on which a second base plate is also supported, and ultraviolet ink is also applied to a planar sheet of the second base plate.   
     
     
         27 . The method of printing on a base plate according to  claim 18 , wherein
 the ultraviolet ink is applied to the planar sheet while a further structure is mounted to the top surface of the planar sheet, and ultraviolet ink is also applied to the further structure.