Deck accessories

Abstract

A modular system for creating multi-level areas on pedestal supported tiled decks and any flat surface for use as platforms, plinths, benches, seats, tables, planters and other accessories that exceed the area of six tiles and which can utilize standard floor tiles for the visible horizontal surfaces. An accessory uses enabling components called “ledge frames” which fit together to form the perimeter of the accessory. Tiles and box shaped modules fit in the frames and on the frames. Ledge frames hold the modules together in a horizontal plane and support additional modules in a vertical plane. The completed accessories appear to be built-in and to be a part of the deck but can be easily relocated or expanded both horizontally and vertically. The accessories can be used in a deck or on any flat surfaced plaza, deck, patio, rooftop or recreational surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to improvements in the accessories disclosed in Ser. No. 12/925051 “Three Dimensional Deck Accessories” by the present inventor and which is incorporated by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

I. Field of the Present Invention

This application relates to the creation of prefabricated modular accessories and platforms that can be placed in a tile deck or on any flat surface.

II. Description and Examples of Prior Art

Floor systems have been developed and are widely used which elevate, connect and support individual tiles or pavers above a base floor or sub-floor to create a new level floor. The tiles or pavers are supported at the corners by adjustable height pedestals or along the edges by beams which run above and parallel to the base floor. The beams may also be supported by adjustable height pedestals. These raised floor systems are used on level, sloping or uneven sub-floors both inside and outside buildings. Outside installations include level pedestrian decks on roof tops. Tiles are 2 ft×2 ft in size but other sizes such as 4 ft×2 ft, 60 cm×60 cm or 50 cm×50 cm are also used.

Outside installations, over roofs and uneven or sloping ground, utilize wood or stone tiles or concrete pavers. The installations provide a level deck which allows rainwater to drain between or through the tiles to the base surface below. Water drains away on the sub floor. Utilities can be run in the space between the deck and the sub-floor. Tiles or pavers can be temporarily removed for maintenance of the roof and utility services.

Rubber tiled floor systems for plazas, decks, sports and equine areas involve the use of tiles recovered from recycled automobile tires. These tiles are often 2 ft×2 ft in size. The rubber tiles come in different thicknesses and resilience levels, and may have interlocking edges. An adhesive may or may not be used to stick the tiles to a concrete or other surface below.

Methods for incorporating furniture, storage units and planters into raised flooring systems inside buildings have been proposed, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,574 to Stephens (1981) which describes how furniture supports can be built into a floor panel. Stephens proposes the use of one or more of these special floor panels each of which incorporates an above floor pedestal or leg to allow an item of furniture to be supported. The special panels can be weighted to provide stability. The above floor pedestals or legs can be hollow to allow utilities to be run up from below. Items of furniture then become integral to the floor and its support system rather than sitting separately on top of the floor. The accessories are movable since the special panels, including the integral pedestals, rest freely on the supports and can be lifted off and relocated. Stephens discloses desks, seats, tables and lamps supported by one or more variously configured special panels and a filing cabinet that is sized to replace a floor panel.

Another example, in German patent DE003742558A1, to Brueckner (1989) describes how a planter box can be incorporated into a paneled floor to avoid the pressure points and discoloration on a carpeted panel where a conventional planter might be placed. Brueckner describes the use of a plant box that replaces a floor panel and is supported along its edges on the floor panel support system or fastened in place with clips. The planter is integrated with and is essentially flush with the floor and extends down into the cavity under the floor.

Specially designed panels, planters and furniture as described by Stephens and Bruekner, or which are similar to those described, have not been widely used, if at all. The special products are disadvantaged by having to compete in terms of cost, convenience and availability with large volume lower cost conventional accessories which are simply placed on top of false floors. Planters on a false floor can simply be placed in a tray to avoid the pressure points and discoloration described by Brueckner.

Outside tiled decks often have benches, seats, planters and other features built into the deck or onto the edge of the deck by carpenters during construction. These accessories may be built of the same material as the deck floor to create a uniform appearance, for example by using, teak, Ipê, cedar or composite planks for both the deck floor and the accessories. The built-in features are permanent and custom carpentry is costly.

Pedestal supported decks can be installed with more than one level with a step up from one level to the next. A typical step up is between 5 inches and 7¾ inches in height, the same as a riser in a staircase. The lower deck level might use pedestals adjusted to a four inch height with the upper level pedestals adjusted to an eleven inch height to create a difference of seven inches between the deck levels. The vertical gap between the levels can be closed with a riser made by fixing a vertical plank to the top level pedestals which are modified to allow the attachment. This built-in transition between levels has to be customized for each installation. The same technique could be used to raise an area of the deck consisting of just a few tiles but this is permanent and also costly.

Japanese Patent JP 2009219454, to Hata et al (2009) describes a modular system for the installation of planters, storage boxes and steps on wooden decks by stacking interlocking square box shaped frames, rims, lids and partitions in an up-and-down direction and placing the assembled units side-by-side. The lid and partition components are specially fabricated to fit on or in the square box shaped frames. The box shaped frames are not locked to each other in the side-by-side configurations and the system does not use unmodified standard tiles as used for pedestal supported decks, paving or flooring.

The means by which standard tiles and other components can be used in a flexible, modular system for creating benches, planters, seats and tables for pedestal supported decks with low labor installation costs has been addressed in the inventors U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/925051 “Three Dimensional Deck Accessories”. That application describes 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 utilizing standard floor tiles for the visible horizontal surfaces. Standard floor tiles are used through the use of a new enabling component referred to as a “frame”. Tiles fit in the frames. The system also uses square or rectangular box shaped modules which can fit under or in the new 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.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/925051 discloses the use of special frames for creating accessories, including small platforms, that are one tile or two tiles wide and several tiles long. However, there is a need to create larger multi level accessories from modular prefabricated components for installation in decks or on flat surfaces, for example in the middle of a plaza. The means for accomplishing this is the subject of this invention and patent application.

SUMMARY

An improved modular system for creating multi-level areas on pedestal supported tiled decks or any flat surface which utilizes standard floor tiles, including wood or rubber tiles, for the visible horizontal surfaces. Accessories that exceed the area of six tiles can be created. Standard floor tiles are used through the use of an enabling component referred to as a “ledge frame”. Tiles and tile shaped panels fit in the ledge frames. The system also uses square or rectangular box shaped modules which can fit under or in the ledge frames. A ledge frame holds the modules together in a horizontal plane and supports additional modules in a vertical plane. Ledge frames, of four basic shapes, are described herein which have features enabling the perimeter of a large accessory to be assembled. These ledge frames are combined with conventional deck support pedestals and the frames previously disclosed to create new accessories. The accessories can be used on any deck, patio, rooftop or recreational surface. The system uses prefabricated parts and avoids the need for on-site custom carpentry. The products are economical with respect to materials and installation costs. These and other aspects and advantages of the new system will become apparent after reading the descriptions of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—a prior art example of a pedestal supported deck with wooden tiles.

FIG. 2—a prior art example of the components for a three unit bench in a deck.

FIG. 3—a prior art example showing two single unit accessories.

FIG. 4—a prior art example showing a three unit width frame.

FIG. 5—a prior art example showing a cross section of a frame, tile and box shaped module.

FIG. 6—a prior art example of a top view of two abutting frames for a six unit accessory.

FIG. 7—four novel frames according to this invention.

FIG. 8—frame assembly for a nine unit accessory connected with dowels.

FIG. 9—frame assembly connected with eyes, wires and turnbuckles.

FIG. 10—assembly with the vertical elements attached and two wood tiles in place.

FIG. 11—box shaped modules in place for a twenty-four unit accessory.

FIG. 12—the first level of a twenty-four unit accessory.

FIG. 13—the second level box shaped modules in place on a twenty-four unit accessory.

FIG. 14—the completed twenty-four unit accessory.

FIG. 15—a twenty-four unit accessory on a frame assembly on a flat surface.

FIG. 16—bottom frame assembly for a flat surface.

FIG. 17—frames and pedestals for a thirty-six unit assembly.

FIG. 18—a three level thirty-six unit assembly set in a deck.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

1. standard wood tile—prior art

2. adjustable height pedestal—prior art

3. frame for three units—prior art

4. marine board box shaped three unit module—prior art

5. a single unit frame—prior art

6. a liner for a single unit module—prior art

7. a single unit box shaped module—prior art

8. horizontal frame element—prior art

9. vertical side element—prior art

10. dowel—prior art

11. an assembly of two prior art frames for six units

12. single unit ledge frame

13. double unit ledge frame

14. triple unit double corner ledge frame

15. triple unit single corner ledge frame

16. inside of single unit ledge frame 12

17. inside of triple unit double corner ledge frame 14

18. inside of double unit ledge frame 13

19. inside of triple unit single corner ledge frame 15

20. dowels connecting frames

21. vertical side element

22. eyelets, wires and turnbuckles connector

23. box shaped module 23 with a closed bottom

24. Elevator® deck pedestal

25. box shaped module 25 with a closed bottom

26. vertical side element for bottom frame assembly

27. module retaining element for ledge of bottom frame assembly

28. ⅛″ support shim from the Elevator® system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In the following descriptions and illustrations like reference numbers designate like parts throughout the figures.

Prior art is first described so that the new features and novel results from this invention are more readily understood.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a typical pedestal supported tiled deck that is commercially available (prior art). The standard wood tile 1 is one of a plurality of identical wood tiles each of which is supported at its corners by an adjustable height pedestal 2. Pedestals 2 and wood tiles 1 are of the types sold by Bison Innovative Products of Denver, Colo., Specialty Lumber Solutions of Kansas City, Mo., and Hanover Architectural Products of Hanover, Pa. The pedestals are spaced two feet apart, and the tiles are 23⅞″×23⅞″×1½″. Spacers on top of the pedestals create a ⅛″ gap between the tiles. Each tile consists of eight surface planks of Ipê wood each 23⅞″×2 11/16″×¾″ and three underneath planks at right angles to the surface planks, the same size as the surface planks, one on each edge and one in the center. The surface planks are held together by the underneath planks to make the tile using stainless steel screws. The countersunk screw heads are underneath so that they are not visible from the deck surface. Gaps between the surface planks and tiles allow rain water to drain down from the deck surface to the sub-floor on which the pedestals sit.

FIG. 2 shows the key components of an accessory according to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/925051. The accessory uses three tiles 1 removed from the deck where the accessory is to be located. Frame 3 is constructed from Ipê planks which are ¾″ thick, the same thickness as the tile planks. Frame 3 encloses and retains the three tiles. When tiles are sitting in the frame their top surfaces are essentially level with the top surfaces of the frame. Spacers, ⅛″ thick and an inch wide and long can be fixed to tile sides with construction adhesive to maintain tile spacing. Frame 3 fits on top of and is retained by the box shaped module, module 4 which in turn fits on top of eight of the pedestals 2. The terms “box shaped module” and “module” are used interchangeably herein. Module 4 covers three tiles spaces and, in effect, elevates the three tiles to a higher level. This accessory is described as being a three unit assembly.

Module 4 is fabricated from four panels of 12″×½″ thick Sandstone Marine Board supplied by Interstate Plastics of Sacramento, Calif. Marine board is formulated to withstand harsh marine environments and is very suitable for exterior deck applications. Marine board comes in different colors and can be machined using standard wood working tools. Module 4 is open at the top and the bottom. The external dimensions of module 4 are 6 feet×2 feet so as to fit on the pedestals in place of the three tiles. Module 4 could be closed at the bottom with an additional panel of marine board and closed at the top also.

FIG. 3 shows the key components of a single unit accessory according to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/925051. FIG. 3(a) shows the components aligned with four pedestals in a deck. FIG. 3(b) shows the components aligned with a second frame 5 used when the accessory is to be placed on a flat surface such as a concrete patio. Module 7 is fabricated from a modified Ipê floor tile and is open at the bottom and the top. Liner 6 is box shaped, has a closed bottom and a lip around the upper edge and might be fabricated from plastic or fiberglass. The liner is used if the accessory is a planter or storage box. In that case no tile is used in the upper frame. Liner 6 is not an essential component for a planter since plant containers can be placed on the sub-floor of the deck alongside the pedestals in the FIG. 3(a) configuration or on the ground within bottom frame 5 in the FIG. 3(b) configuration. A second module (not shown) can be placed in frame 5 in place of tile 1 to create a stacked unit. A liner might then be used in the upper module only. Modules can be manufactured from materials other than Ipê, such as fiberglass or metal, and can be fabricated with a bottom, in which case a liner is not needed.

FIG. 4 shows a three unit frame 3 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/925051. This frame consists of a horizontal frame element 8 and vertical side element 9.

FIG. 5 presents a side cross-sectional view of the side of the frame of FIG. 4. In this description the words “vertical” and “horizontal” refer to the orientation of the parts when the frame is level with the main deck as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. Frame 3 has vertical element side 9 which is fixed to the horizontal frame element 8 as shown in FIG. 5. The elements are joined using wooden dowels 10, spaced around the sides. The corners of 9 can be joined using dowels. Other connection methods such as the Kregg® system can be employed. The vertical sides 9 and the horizontal flat frame element 8 are made from Ipê planks which are ¾″ thick, the same thickness as the tile planks. The vertical sides are 2 11/16″ high the same width as the tile planks. The horizontal frame element covers the top edge of the module 7 (or a liner, not shown in FIG. 5) to provide a neat appearance if the accessory is a planter. The frame is the planter rim.

FIG. 5 shows the location of the horizontal frame element 8 part way up the side of vertical frame element 9. The top surface of the horizontal frame element 8 is located so that the top of a tile placed in the frame is essentially flush with the top of the vertical side 9. The choice of plank width and thickness results in the entire frame 8 being prevented from lateral movement, relative to module 4 below, as a result of the overlap of vertical side 9 over the side walls of module 4.

FIG. 6 shows how two frames 11 can be assembled by omitting the vertical frame element along the abutting side of each frame. This frame combination can be supported by four square box shaped modules, one in each corner, each replacing a deck tile to create a six unit assembly, three tiles long and two tiles wide. The frame can hold six tiles to make a bench. Corner tiles could be omitted to make planters at those locations. Modules could be used in place of tiles in the corners, each lined and covered with a single unit frame on top to make raised corner planters.

All of the above discussion is prior art according to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/925051. The new physical features of this invention and their application are now described in several embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows four new horizontal flat ledge frames 12, 13, 14 and 15 according to this invention. In this embodiment the frames are made of Ipê planks which are 0.75″ thick and either 5.5″ or 2.7″ wide. The cross members are joined to the side members with wooden dowels using a precision dowel drilling jig.

The four ledge frames share common features. They are rectangular, one or more tiles can be placed within the boundaries of each frame and an inside ledge is created when a tile is placed against the outer edge of the frame. The outer edges of the frames are the edges closest to the identifying numerals 12, 13, 14 and 15. The inside ledges 16, 17, 18, 19 protrude on the inside edge along all or a part of the frame when square tiles or modules are placed on the frames against the outside edges, as illustrated by the dotted line square below frame 15 relative to ledge 19.

These frames are sized for 23.7″ square tiles with a ⅛″ gap between adjoining tiles and between a tile and the inside edge of the frame or a tile and the end edge of the frame.

The four frames shown in FIG. 7 fit together at right angles or along their lengths as will be shown in the following embodiments and figures.

FIG. 8 shows two single unit ledge frames 12 and two triple unit double corner ledge frames 14 joined to make a frame assembly for a nine unit accessory. The frames can be utilized either way up and rotated in creating an assembly. Frames keep their identification numbers, 12, 13, 14 and 15 regardless of their orientation.

The first step in creating a nine unit accessory in a deck is to place box shaped modules, of the same height, in the deck in place of the tiles at the four corners of the unit and at the planned locations of the two frames 12. The center locations of frames 14 can be left with tiles in the deck. The frames are then placed on top of the six modules.

FIG. 8 shows the use of dowels 20 for joining the frames together. The frames are predrilled during manufacture using a precision dowel jig and the dowels are inserted on-site with a snug fit. A rubber hammer is used to tap the parts together. Construction adhesive can be used on the dowels.

Once the frame is assembled the vertical side elements 21 are joined to the edges of the frames around the perimeter using dowels. The side elements are predrilled for dowels at the corners and along the inside perimeter matching predrilled holes in the outer edges of the frames. In this embodiment the vertical side elements are 0.75″ thick and 2.7″ wide and are joined to the frames in the manner shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative or supplementary way of joining the frames together. Eyelets are screwed into predrilled holes in the sides of the frames and wires and turnbuckles 22 used to pull the frames together. This technique is useful for reinforcing large frame assemblies.

FIG. 10 shows the assembly of FIG. 8 with a center tile 1 and a corner tile 1 in place. It will be apparent that the center tile rests on the ledges of the frames on all four sides and that this feature is an enabling concept of the invention.

FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 show another embodiment of the invention illustrating the use of six frames to create a twenty-four unit accessory, measuring 12 ft×8 ft overall with two levels above the deck. The figures illustrate the stages of assembly.

FIG. 11 shows twelve modules 23 in a deck replacing twelve deck tiles. The deck tiles have been omitted from this figure to improve clarity. In this embodiment, modules 23 have closed bottoms and are fabricated from molded reinforced fiberglass with smooth and colored exterior surfaces. The modules could be of different colors.

FIG. 12 shows four triple unit double corner ledge frames 14 at the corners and down the six unit sides joined by two double unit ledge frames 13 at the ends, on top of modules 23. This creates the perimeter of the accessory with a ledge all the way around the inside. The frames are joined and the vertical side elements fitted using dowels (not shown). The entire frame assembly is reinforced using the wire and turnbuckle system shown in FIG. 9.

Three adjustable height Elevator® deck pedestals 24 supplied by Hanover Architectural Products of Hanover, Pa. are in the center of the assembly. These pedestals sit on the subfloor of the deck, alongside the pedestals that support the deck tiles, and are connected using standard Hanover StayBars™ for added stability. The StayBars™ components are not shown in FIG. 12. The top supporting surfaces of the Elevator® deck pedestals are adjusted to be level with the top surfaces of the perimeter ledge of the frames.

FIG. 13 shows a further stage in the twenty-four unit assembly. For clarity, this figure omits previously shown reference numerals. Eight modules 25 are placed in the center of the assembly supported by the perimeter ledge and the Elevator® deck pedestals.

FIG. 14 shows the completed accessory with the top of modules 25 covered using a combination of conventional frames. Tiles are placed in the frames. The lower level corners are planters and left open. Twelve tiles were removed from the deck, so seven new tiles are required. In another embodiment, modules 25 could be planters and no new tiles would then be required.

In this embodiment, FIG. 14, the lower modules 24 are 14.8″ high and the upper modules 25 are 8.8″ high. The module heights are predetermined, taking into account the tile thickness (1.5″) and the thickness of the horizontal frame elements (0.8″), to result in the top level of the accessory being 25.2″ and the lower level 15.6″ high above the surface of the deck tiles. The ratio of these heights is 1.62 and equal to the aesthetically pleasing Golden Ratio or Phi.

FIG. 15 shows the accessory of FIG. 14 installed on a flat surface. This is accomplished using the same principle as that shown in FIG. 3 by using a base frame. The first step in assembling the accessory on a flat surface is to build the base frame assembly, almost identical to that used on top of modules 24, but on the flat surface as shown in FIG. 16.

Each of the frames is placed on circular one-eighth inch or one-quarter inch thick plastic shims, 28 and 29 on the inside and outside edges to hold the frame just off the floor. This prevents rain water from pooling around the accessory edges. Shims can be purchased from Hanover Architectural Products. The circular shims are adhered to the undersurface of the frames using a few dabs of construction adhesive.

The frames are joined together and the outside vertical elements joined to the frames with dowels at the predetermined locations of the predrilled holes on each element.

A new prefabricated component 27 consisting of 2 11/16″ wide, ¾″ thick planks is then joined to the frames on top of the ledge around the inside perimeter. Dowels are used in predrilled holes. Component 27 and vertical edge 26 are one module width apart plus a ⅛″ gap on each side. Twelve modules 24 are then positioned on top of the frame with the layout shown in FIG. 11. Spacers, ⅛″ thick and an inch wide and long can be fixed to the module sides with construction adhesive to maintain module spacing.

The accessory is then built up on top of modules 24 as previously described to create the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows another embodiment, in this case a thirty-six unit assembly frame.

FIG. 17 shows four double unit ledge frames 13 at the corners and across two sides and four triple unit double corner frames 14 completing the other two sides. Nine pedestals 15 are required in the center with this configuration.

FIG. 18 shows a completed three level assembly based on the assembly shown in FIG. 17 at the lowest level with a shallow planter based on modules 28 in the very center at the top level.

In the embodiment of FIG. 18 the lower modules 23 are 14.8″ high, the second level modules 25 are 8.8″ high and the uppermost modules 28 are 5.2″ high. These module heights are predetermined, taking into account the tile thickness (1.5″) and the thickness of the horizontal frame elements (0.8″), to result in the lower level of the accessory being 15.6″, the second level 25.2″ and the upper level 31.2″ above the surface of the deck tiles.

Many variations of the embodiments are made possible by the prior art of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/925051 and the novel features and improvements described herein. The arrangement of planters and benches can be changed by relocating tiles and modules. Table tops, made from marine board, fabricated from reinforced molded fiberglass or anodized aluminum can replace tiles. Table tops can be tile sized or two or more units long and be of different colors and placed in the frames. Modules and frames can be fabricated from molded reinforced fiberglass and other materials creating many opportunities to mix and match components. Accessories can be installed on or in tiled rubber surfaces on plazas or playgrounds. Tile colors and resilience can match the plaza surface. Rubber tiles are supplied by Diamond Safety Concepts, of Olivenhaim, Calif. with dimensions that match a 1.5″ thick wood tile when combined with a PVC support panel.

It is apparent that the enabling concept in the creation of the large multiple unit deck accessories described herein is the use of the novel frames shown in FIG. 7 and the diverse ways in which they can be oriented and joined. The concept of an inside perimeter supporting ledge combined with adjustable height pedestals in the center of the accessory is unique.

Standard sized tiles are available in a wide range of materials and surfaces and these tiles can be incorporated into new accessories to create variety. Alternatively, the modules and frames can be fabricated from exactly the same materials as standard tiles or fabricated from the tiles themselves to create a uniform appearance. Manufacturers, marketers and installers of pedestal supported tiled decks and tiles are able to produce accessories that match or compliment their decks using prefabricated parts with no on-site carpentry costs. Landscape architects can create custom installations of benches, planters and tables using computer aided placement of standard components suited to the customer's existing or proposed deck, plaza or garden. Changes to the layouts can be made subsequent to installation at minimum cost.

Having described the invention in terms of the preferred and other embodiments it will be apparent that other tile sizes, parts and component dimensions, modifications and materials can be used. Other arrangements and improvements can be made and other deck accessories produced utilizing the same concept and intrinsic advantages. For the sake of clarity and ease of understanding these have been omitted since it will be evident that they are properly within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1.-5. (canceled)

6. An assembly of component frames and vertical side elements which enable the creation of tiled platforms and multi-level features in a pedestal supported deck, said component frames being selected from: Said vertical side elements having a predetermined height and thickness said height being greater than the thickness of said frames, said vertical side elements being attached to one or more outside edges of said frames with a predetermined distance between the top surface of the frame and the top of the vertical side element and a predetermined distance between the bottom surface of the frame and the bottom of the vertical side element,

(a) A single unit ledge frame 12, rectangular in shape, with a flat horizontally disposed surface, capable of supporting one tile, or a box shaped module with the external dimensions of said tile, within the boundaries of said single unit frame where, (i) two opposite short sides of said single unit ledge frame have a width equal to the length of one tile plus a predetermined amount to allow for a small gap between the ends of said tile and the edges of said single unit ledge frame, and (ii) two opposite long sides of said single unit frame which are wider than said short sides of said single unit frame by a predetermined amount to create a single tile ledge 16 sufficiently wide to support one side only of an adjacent tile, or a box shaped module with the external dimensions of said tile, that is otherwise located outside the boundaries of said single unit ledge frame,

(b) A double unit ledge frame 13, rectangular in shape, with a flat horizontally disposed surface, capable of supporting two tiles, or two box shaped modules each with the external dimensions of each of said tiles, within the boundaries of said double unit ledge frame where, (i) two opposite long sides of said double unit ledge frame have a width equal to the length of two tiles plus a predetermined amount to allow for a small gap between the ends of said two tiles and the edges of said double unit frame and between said two tiles, and (ii) two opposite short sides of said double unit ledge frame which have a width equal to the length of one tile plus two of said small gaps plus a predetermined amount to create a double tile ledge 18 sufficiently wide to support one side only of two adjacent tiles, or box shaped modules with the external dimensions of said tiles, that are otherwise located outside the boundaries of said double unit ledge frame,

(c) A triple unit double corner ledge frame 14, rectangular in shape, with a flat horizontally disposed surface, capable of supporting three tiles, or three box shaped modules each with the external dimensions of each of said tiles, within the boundaries of said triple unit double corner frame where, (i) two opposite long sides of said triple unit double corner ledge frame have a width equal to the length of three tiles plus a predetermined amount to allow for a small gap between the ends of said three tiles and the edges of the frame and between said three tiles, and (ii) two opposite short sides of said triple unit double corner ledge frame which have a width equal to the length of one tile plus two of said small gaps, and (iii) said triple unit double corner ledge frame is wider adjacent to the location of the center tile by a predetermined amount to create a single tile ledge 17 sufficiently wide to support one side only of one tile, or a box shaped modules with the external dimensions of said tile, that is otherwise located outside the boundaries of said triple unit double corner ledge frame,

(d) A triple unit single corner ledge frame 15, rectangular in shape, with a flat horizontally disposed surface, capable of supporting three tiles, or three box shaped modules each with the external dimensions of each of said tiles, within the boundaries of said triple unit single corner ledge frame where, (i) two opposite long sides of said triple unit double corner ledge frame have a width equal to the length of three tiles plus a predetermined amount to allow for a small gap between the ends of said three tiles and the edges of the frame and between said three tiles, and (ii) one short side of said triple unit single corner ledge frame has a width equal to the length of one tile plus two of said small gaps, and (iii) the second short side of said triple unit single corner ledge frame has a width equal to the length of one tile plus two of said small gaps plus a predetermined amount to create a double tile ledge 19 sufficiently wide to support one side only of two tiles, or box shaped modules with the external dimensions of said tiles, that are otherwise located outside the boundaries of said triple unit double corner ledge frame, said double tile ledge having a length equal to two tiles.

whereby a deck accessory or platform is assembled covering a deck area three tiles wide or more in each direction by: (i) setting square or rectangular box shaped modules at the four corners of the desired assembly and at predetermined locations in-between, said modules having the exterior horizontal dimensions of one or more contiguous tiles, said boxes being of equal height, (ii) placing and joining selected frames, as claimed, in juxtaposition on top of said modules to create the entire perimeter of the assembly, one tile wide, (iii) attaching vertical side elements to the outside edges of the frames around the perimeter, (iv) placing standard deck pedestals, if necessary, within the enclosed area of the assembly to support the corners of tiles or modules that are not supported by the ledges of the perimeter frames.

7. An accessory created using component frames and vertical side elements of claim 6 having one or more levels of tiles or box shaped modules above the deck.

8. An accessory created using component frames and vertical side elements of claim 6 where the horizontal frame elements are attached to each other and to the vertical side elements with horizontal dowels.

9. An accessory created using component frames and vertical side elements of claim 6 where the frames are joined horizontally using wires, turnbuckles and eyelets set in the edges of the frames.