Three dimensional tiled deck accessories

Abstract

A modular system for creating multi-level areas on pedestal supported tiled decks for use as platforms, plinths, benches, seats, tables, planters and other accessories which utilize standard floor tiles for the visible horizontal surfaces. Standard floor tiles can be used through the use of an enabling component called a “frame”. Tiles fit in the frames. The system also uses square or rectangular box shaped modules which fit under or in the frames. A frame holds the modules together in a horizontal plane and supports additional modules in a vertical plane. The completed accessories appear to be built-in and to be a part of the deck but they can be easily relocated or expanded both horizontally and vertically. The accessories can be used on any deck, patio, rooftop or recreational surface.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A deck accessory for installation in a pedestal supported tiled deck, comprising: (a) a box shaped module or modules with vertical sides having the same external horizontal dimensions as the standard deck tiles removed for the installation, each of said module or modules being disposed in the deck on the pedestals that previously supported said deck tiles, (b) a frame disposed on top of said module or modules, covering the top edges of said module or modules and completely open in the center, (c) standard deck tiles disposed in said frame supported by their edges on the horizontal planar element of said frame, (d) said frame having vertical sides joined to said horizontal planar element, said vertical sides extending upwards to the top of said deck tiles and extending down over the vertical sides of said module or modules.
 whereby, (i) standard deck tiles, removed to install the accessory, can be re-used to create the top surface of the deck accessory and function as seat tops, planter lids, table tops and storage box tops, that match the deck in appearance, (ii) the module or modules are held together at their tops by the frame and at their bottoms by the surrounding deck providing structural integrity and stability to the accessory installed in the deck, and (iii) a module under a tile is completely open at the top when the tile is removed.   
     
     
         14 . The accessory of  claim 13  wherein said accessory: (a) covers an area of the deck which includes at least three standard deck tiles in a row, where the center deck tile in said row is left in place, and the deck tiles adjoining said center deck tile are removed and replaced by said box shaped modules, and (b) said frame disposed on said modules, bridges the area over said center deck tile, and (c) standard deck tiles are disposed in said additional frame. 
     
     
         15 . The accessory of  claim 13  wherein: (a) one or more of the standard tiles in said frame are replaced by an additional box shaped module or modules with the external horizontal dimensions of said standard deck tile or tiles, and (b) an additional frame disposed on top of said additional box shaped module or modules, and (c) standard deck tile or tiles are disposed in said additional frame at the very top of the accessory. 
     
     
         16 . The accessory of  claim 13  wherein the vertical sides of the box shaped modules are fabricated from deconstructed deck tiles whereby the deck and said accessories are symmetrical and alike in appearance in both vertical and horizontal planes.