Decorative artificial portals

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a decorative device for use in a hanging arrangement. The device includes a frame having a plurality of sides defining an opening. The frame includes a front side and a rear side. The frame gives the outward appearance of a portal of a building as viewed from the interior of the building. The device also includes a holding structure for removably securing a picture in the frame so that when a picture representative of an outdoor scene is held by the holding structure, the frame and the picture cooperate provide the appearance of looking through an open portal of an outdoor scene represented by the picture.

1 . A decorative device for use in a hanging arrangement comprising: 
 a frame having a plurality of sides, said plurality of sides defining an opening, said frame having a front side and a rear side, said frame, when viewed from said front side, having the appearance of a portal of a building as viewed from the interior of the building; and    a holding structure for removably securing a picture in said frame so that when a picture representative of an outdoor scene is held by said holding structure, said frame and said picture cooperatively provide the appearance of looking through an open portal at the outdoor scene represented by said picture.    
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said frame includes decorative elements projecting at least partially across said opening, said decorative elements having the appearance of elements of an portal, said holding structure being adapted to hold the picture to the rear of said decorative elements.  
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said decorative elements simulate the appearance of window pane holders.  
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said decorative elements include a pair of elements simulating opposite sides of a casement window in a partially-open position, each element of the pair including a generally trapezoidal lattice.  
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said holding structure includes a back panel at least partially remote from said frame so as to form a groove therebetween, said frame defining a slot positioned between said back panel and at least one of said plurality of sides, said slot being opened to an exterior of said frame  
   
   
       6 . A decorative device for use in a hanging arrangement comprising: 
 a frame having a plurality of sides, said plurality of sides defining an opening, said frame having a front side and a rear side, said frame, when viewed from said front side, having the appearance of a portal of an interior space as viewed from the interior; and    a holding structure for removably securing a picture in said frame so that when a picture representative of an outdoor scene is held by said holding structure, said frame and said picture cooperatively provide the appearance of looking through an open portal at the outdoor scene represented by said picture.