Abstract: An elevating stage that can be raised by a power drive comprises scissor beams of lifting scissors which are bent in the middle at an upward pointing angle of bend. The moving joints of the scissor beams are offset laterally within respect to one another in such a manner that the scissor beams lie one on top of the other and the sides of the scissor diamonds generated when the lifting scissors are extended out have different lengths.

Abstract: A play building block toy set has flat plate elements of semi-elastic plastic material that interlock with pressure inserted ball socket joints. The flat plates may have various geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, etc. with each side the same length and having identical mating ball and joint locking elements. Along each block side mid-spaced between the center and two corners are respectively a ball and a socket. The ball is placed in a semi-circular cutout and is fastened by a stem to the plate. The socket is formed with a skull cap type cutout and rim members that elastically receive and hold the ball when forced or twisted thereinto. To achieve an insertion angle of 270.degree., the ball center and the socket center are on the bottom plane of the plate. The socket has two thickened rims extending below the plate. Means are provided for mounting shafts through holes in the plates.