Abstract:
The invention comprises an apertured frame secured to a substrate and having a slotted arrangement adapted to receive and secure properly shaped tiles.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/338,945 filed Jun. 24, 1999 now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to decorative and functional structural members usable on a support surface such as a wall or floor or the like in residences, offices or such structures. In particular, the invention relates to structures made up of a frame which can be secured to the aforementioned support surface and to which tiles or panels of various types can be secured. The tiles or panels may take many forms and features as will be clear from the following description of the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of a frame or grid used in practicing the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the lines  2 — 2  in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing a portion of a tile in place therein: 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a modification of the invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modification of the invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the surface of various forms the surface of a tile may take; 
     FIG. 7 is a plan view of a modification of the invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modification of the invention which utilizes radiant heating; and 
     FIGS. 9-12 show modified panels using the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings, the present invention is shown and described with respect to a support surface  12  such as a floor or wall of any type, for example in a bathroom or in any other room in a house or other building. The many possible uses of the invention will be clear to those who read this description of the invention. 
     An assembly embodying the invention includes a frame or grid  10  which is of any desired size or shape and is adapted to be secured to the above-mentioned support surface by screws or the like inserted into holes  12 . In one of the most appropriate uses of the invention, the frame  10  is secured to a wall. 
     The frame is preferably made of a light metal, wood or plastic of the like and includes vertical arms  20  and horizontal arms  30  both of which are provided with slots  40  along their lengths. The slots have a base  62  and side wall  64 . 
     According to the invention, tiles  50  are provided overlying the openings in the grid which may be in the form of rectangles or the like formed by the horizontal and vertical arms of the grid. The tiles are secured to the frame or grid as follows. The tiles have bent-down horizontal and vertical edges which are adapted to fit into the slots formed as seen in FIG.  3 . 
     In one form of the invention in order to secure the edges of the tiles in the slots, the bent down edges or arms are formed with slight protrusions  70  which are adapted to fit into and engage small depressions on the opposed walls of the slots. Other means for securing the tiles in place in the slots will occur to those skilled in the art. 
     It can be seen that the tiles  50  are readily and easily inserted in the slots in the frame and at the same time they can be readily removed with a knife or screw driver if for some reason it is desired to apply new tiles. 
     FIG. 4 shows a modified tile of the invention  98  having a plurality of mounting pins which are intended to be inserted into holes  110  shown in tiles. 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a modified frame of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 shows a plurality of tiles  110  with different surface configurations; 
     FIG. 7 shows a modification in the surface effect of various tiles; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a modification of the invention showing a portion of tile assembly  120  having a base portion which preferably seats on a floor and a heating tube  114  extends along the lower surface of the tile in a slot  112  therein. 
     FIG. 9 shows a tile having a towel ring secured to it. 
     FIG. 10 shows a tile having a soap dish secured to it. 
     FIG. 11 shows a tile with an electrical switch integral therewith and with electrical wires (not shown) beneath the tile. 
     FIG. 12 shows a tile; carrying an electrical outlet with multiple connections.