TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mounting system for artwork, in particular to a mounting system that can be folded into a carrier for a typically bendable flat product, in particular a respective flat artwork.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditionally, artists paint or print their artwork on canvas. The canvas is typically mounted on wooden stretcher bars and secured with staples. Stretching the canvas creates tension on the material and removes wrinkles giving the artwork a desired flat and professional finish.

[0003] Large-scale producers of painted or printed artwork are struggling with several problems. Even at high volume production, cotton canvas and wooden stretcher bars are expensive. Printing and painting on this material also require dedicated materials and technology. Unfortunately, the price of the materials is typically inversely related to the quality. Cotton canvas substitutes like polyester textiles, banners or even paper may have difficulties with achieving proper tension. Using thinner wooden stretcher bars or alternative materials like high-density fiberboards is often not feasible as they may not resist the force created during the stretching process. Further, joining method that holds the corners of the frame properly becomes also more complicated.

[0004] Probably the most important problem in painted artwork as well as printed artwork production is the shipment. The articles to be shipped tend to be fragile and can be damaged very easily. Transport, improper package stacking and even humidity can spoil all the effort put in the production process. Packaging that can safely withstand those threats can be relatively expensive and cause extra shipping costs due to its weight and size.

[0005] For these and other reasons there is need for the present invention. SUMMARY

[0006] According to an embodiment of a mounting system, the mounting system includes a continuous base structure having an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side. The continuous base structure includes a polygonal central portion and edge strips. The central portion includes at the upper side a polygonal supporting area for a viewing portion of a typically bendable flat product such as a respective artwork. The polygonal supporting area is defined by first peripheral fold lines of the base structure. The central portion further includes at least one inner fold line for folding the central portion. The at least one inner fold line at least substantially extends between two of the first peripheral fold lines. Each of the edge strips is foldably connected to the polygonal central portion along one of the first peripheral fold lines, includes second peripheral fold lines which are parallel to the one of the first peripheral fold lines, and includes, at the upper side, an inner area for fixing the product (also referred to an inner fixing area) and an outer area. The edge strip is foldable into a three-dimensional perimeter member such that the outer area is arranged opposite to the lower side of the central portion.

[0007] According to an embodiment of a mounting system, the mounting system includes a continuous base structure having an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side. The continuous base structure includes a polygonal central portion and edge strips. The central portion includes at the upper side a polygonal supporting area for a viewing portion of bendable flat product such as a respective artwork. The central portion further includes at least one inner fold line for folding the central portion. The central portion and/or the viewing portion of the artwork is defined by first peripheral fold lines of the base structure. The at least one inner fold line at least substantially extends between two of the first peripheral fold lines. Each of the edge strips is connected with the central portion, is foldable with respect to the central portion along one of the first peripheral fold lines, and includes second peripheral fold lines which are parallel to the one of the first peripheral fold lines, and includes, at the upper side, an inner fixing area for the artwork and an outer fixing area, so that the edge strip is foldable into a three-dimensional perimeter member fixable with the outer fixing area on the lower side of the central portion.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description, and upon viewing the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, instead emphasis being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic top view of an upper side of a mounting system for an artwork in a non-folded state according to an embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic vertical cross-section and side view, respectively, of the mounting system illustrated in figure 1 in a second folding state suitable for shipment according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3A to 10B illustrate respective schematic views of the mounting system illustrated in figure 1 during fixing an artwork and folding the mounting system into a first folding state according to embodiments;

[0013] Figure 1 1 illustrates a schematic top view of an upper side of a mounting system for an artwork in a non-folded state according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 12 illustrates a schematic vertical cross-section and side view, respectively, of the mounting system illustrated in figure 1 1 in a second folding state suitable for shipment according to an embodiment; and

[0015] Figures 13 to 15C illustrate 10B illustrate respective schematic views of the mounting system illustrated in figure 1 during fixing an artwork and folding the mounting system into a first folding state according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the present invention includes such modifications and variations. The examples are described using specific language which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the appending claims. The drawings may not be scaled and are for illustrative purposes only. For clarity, the same elements or manufacturing steps have been designated by the same references in the different drawings if not stated otherwise. [0017] It is a task of the invention to provide to a mounting system that can be produced and shipped at comparatively low costs and can, thereafter, comparatively easy be folded into a stable carrier for a flat product like a painting or printed artwork.

[0018] Said task is solved by the subject matter of the intendent claims.

[0019] In particular, a foldable mounting system includes a continuous base structure having an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side. The continuous base structure includes a polygonal central portion and edge strips. The central portion forms at the upper side a polygonal supporting area for a viewing portion of a bendable (flexible) flat product such as a respective artwork. The supporting area may or may not form a contact area for a backside of the viewing portion, when the mounting system is in (is folded into) a first folding state, in which it carries the flat product. Note, that the supporting area may, depending on material properties, be bended in the first folding state due to a tension resulting from folding the edge strips as explained in more detail below. Accordingly, the flat product may not (completely or partially) be in contact with the support area in the first folding state. However, the part of the central portion defined by the supporting area and the first peripheral fold lines, respectively, even then forms a protective back wall for the flat product in the first folding state. Further, the supporting area typically forms a contact area for the flat product in a non-folded state (in particular during attaching the flat product).

[0020] In the non-folded state (not yet folded or unfolded state/unfolded state), the base structure is, at least substantially flat and/or at least substantially plate-shaped.

[0021] In the following the non-folded state is also referred to as flat state.

[0022] The polygonal central portion of the base structure and the viewing portion

(central portion) of the artwork, respectively, are defined, e.g. delimited when seen from above, by first peripheral fold lines of the base structure that can be used for folding the mounting system and the continuous base structure, respectively, from the non-folded state into the first folding state. The edge strips are connected with the central portion and are foldable with respect to the central portion along a respective first peripheral fold lines, and includes respective second peripheral fold lines, typically three respective second peripheral fold lines, which are parallel to the respective first peripheral fold line. Further, each edge strip includes, at the upper side in the non-folded state, an inner fixing area for the flat product and an outer fixing area, so that the edge strip is foldable along the respective first and second peripheral fold lines into a three-dimensional perimeter member fixable with the outer fixing area on the lower side of the central portion. When all edge strips are (subsequently) folded into three-dimensional perimeter members and fixed with their outer fixing area on the lower side of the central portion, the mounting system is in the first folding state (folded into the first folding state).

[0023] In the flat state, the edge strips may be at least substantially of a polygonal shape. To facilitate folding into the respective three-dimensional perimeter member, the edge strips typically have smaller extension in direction of the adjacent first peripheral fold line at an outer edge compared to the extension in the direction at the adjacent first peripheral fold line. In other words, the edge strips may be tapered and/or have a tapered portion when seen from above.

[0024] Typically, the central portion is at least substantially surrounded by the perimeter members in the first folding state of the mounting system.

[0025] In the first folding state, the perimeter members typically form a frame. Therefore, the (three-dimensional) perimeter members are in the following also referred to as (three-dimensional) frame sections.

[0026] The central portion further includes (at least one) an inner fold line at least substantially extending between two of the first peripheral fold lines. The central portion and the continuous base structure, respectively, may be folded along the inner fold line(s) to transform the mounting system from the flat state into a second folding state in which adjacent portions of the continuous base structure are rotated with respect to each other along the inner fold line(s) by about 180°. Thus, the size of the continuous base structure and the mounting system, respectively, is substantially reduced. Accordingly, the mounting system can be packed into a smaller package for shipping. This reduces shipping costs. In the following, the second folding status is also referred as shipping state.

[0027] As explained below with regard to the figures in more detail, the mounting system may be folded from its flat state into the first state after fixing the flat product, for example an artwork like a painting at the inner fixing areas of the mounting system in the flat state.

[0028] Folding the flat mounting system including the attached product into the first state typically result in a tension that removes any wrinkles giving the product the desired flat and professional finish, at least when the product is at least slightly stretchable and/or bendable.

[0029] The inventors of the present specification have found out that a sufficiently high stability of the mounting system in the first state can be ensured even if a comparatively thin and/or lightweight material is used for the base structure. Accordingly, the shipping cost may be further reduced. For example, an at most 3 or 2 millimetres (mm) thick or even an at most 1.5 mm thick cardboard, in particular a corrugated cardboard may be used as a material of the base structure for a printed paper sized up to 2 m x 3 m.

[0030] Note that the desired thickness of the base structure in the flat state typically depend on size and material properties of the flat product. For example, a polypropylene honeycomb board or a corrugated fiberboard may be used as material of the base structure for larger, thicker and/or stiffer artworks.

[0031] For sake of clarity, the detailed description mainly focuses on cardboard as material of the base structure.

[0032] However, the base structure may include and/or be made from other materials too. The base structure may include and/or be made from at least one of a blank, a cut part, a cardboard, a corrugated cardboard, a sheet of a plastic material, and a sheet of a composite material, for example hylite.

[0033] In the flat state, the thickness of the base structure may be, depending on the size of the flat product and the materials, in a range from about 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0034] For example, for paper based painted or printed artworks with a typical thickness in a range from about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm and a size of at most about 140 cm x 40 cm, a cardboard of the E-wave type with a thickness of of about 1.4 mm to about 1.6 mm has been found to be particularly suitable.

[0035] For paper based painted or printed artworks with a size of more than 140 cm x 40 cm and at most about 150 cm x 100 cm, a cardboard of the B-wave type with a thickness of about 2,9 mm to about 3.1 mm has been found to be particularly suitable.

[0036] For even larger paper based painted or printed artworks, a polypropylene based material with honeycomb or bubble structure and a thickness of about 2,9 mm to about 3.1 mm may e.g. be used.

[0037] Due to the typical higher tensile strength compared to paper, a slightly thicker material of the continuous base structure may be used for coated polyester canvas based and nonwoven matt coated banner based painted or printed artworks.

[0038] The material of the base structure and the base structure, respectively, is typically foldable and un-foldable (along the inner and outer folding lines) in both directions (Z-folding).

[0039] The material of the base structure and the base structure, respectively, can also be foldable (along the inner and outer fold lines) in only one direction (without changing direction) and unfoldable (in the opposite direction without changing direction, roll fold). [0040] Folding along the inner and outer folding lines may also be prepared from both sides of the material of the base structure by creasing, perforating or embossing (kiss cutting). The fold line(s) may be a grooved fold line(s), kiss cut line(s) or a mixture(s) thereof.

[0041] It has been shown that creases in the fixed bendable flat product can be more easily and reliably avoided by using only center portions and basic structures, respectively, which are prepared for roll folding.

[0042] Furthermore, the surface of the material of the base structure is typically suitable for double sided adhesives. Accordingly, the mounting of the flat artwork to the mounting system may be facilitated.

[0043] Note that double sided adhesives may be used both for fixing the flat product on the base structure, in particular on the edge strips and for fixing the edge strips on the lower side (also referred to as backside) of the base structure.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the inner fixing areas have on the upper side a respective inner adhesive region covered by a respective inner cover layer that can be peeled off from the inner adhesive region.

[0045] Likewise, the respective outer fixing area may have on the upper side a respective outer adhesive region covered by an outer cover layer that can be peeled off from the adhesive region.

[0046] Typically, the inner fixing area is formed within an inner pair of the second peripheral fold lines, and the outer fixing area is formed between an outer fold line of the second peripheral fold lines and an outer edge of the respective edge strip.

[0047] In some embodiments, the outer fixing area is not glued to the lower side of the central portion but is fixed relative to the lower side of the central portion by means of a mechanical locking system after the respective edge strip has been folded into a three- dimensional perimeter member (which may also be referred to as circumferential element). In these embodiments, the outer fixing area is an outer area which is arranged opposite to the lower side of the central portion. As the outer area is, in the (first) folded state, typically arranged face to face with the lower side and in contact with the lower side, respectively, it may also be referred to as (outer) contact area.

[0048] Furthermore, the surface of the material of the base structure is typically the same / has similar or even the same properties with regard to humidity on the lower side and the upper side. Accordingly, changes in humidity are less likely to cause undesired deformations. [0049] It is also possible that the outer fixing area of the respective folded edge strip or circumferential element formed is both glued (and thus fixed) to the lower side of the central portion and locked with respect to the lower side by means of the locking system.

[0050] The term“flat product” as used within this specification intends to describe a flexible, in particular a stretchable and/or bendable product having in a normal state an a least substantially flat surface. Typically, the ratio between a width and a thickness of the flat product is at least 25 or even at least 50. For shipping or storage the flat product may be folded or (more typical) rolled up.

[0051] As mentioned already above, the thickness of the flat product is typically in a range from about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0052] Furthermore, the backside of the flat product is typically suitable for double sided adhesives. Accordingly, the mounting of the flat artwork to the mounting system may be facilitated.

[0053] Even further, the flat product has typically a flexibility that allows to withstand and/or adapt to the tension exerted by the mounting system.

[0054] The flat product may be a respective artwork and/or a respective printed product, and/or include and/or be made of a sheet of paper, a canvas, or a foil.

[0055] Typically, the mounting system is fitted in accordance with a size and/or a geometry of the flat product.

[0056] The inner fold line(s) may be implemented as a scored fold line, a crease line, a kiss-cut line or a mixture thereof.

[0057] The inner fold line(s) may include indentations and/or perforations, in particular indentations and/or perforations elongating along the at least inner fold line(s).

[0058] Further, the inner fold line(s) may be perpendicular to an adjacent one of the first peripheral fold lines. For example, each inner fold line may be perpendicular to two parallel first peripheral fold lines of four first peripheral fold lines defining a rectangular support area.

[0059] Note that the central portion may have several inner fold lines which are parallel to each other. Accordingly, the size of the second folding state may be reduced.

[0060] Typically, the inner fold line(s) extends to adjoining edge strips. In other words, the inner fold line(s) is typically an inner portion of a fold line of the base structure at least substantially extending across the continuous base structure and/or cross respective first peripheral fold lines. [0061] The extension line(s) may be implemented as a scored fold line, a crease line, a kiss-cut line or a mixture thereof.

[0062] For reasons of stability, the extension line(s) may be implemented different to the inner folding line(s).

[0063] For example, none of the edge strips may have a perforation or an indentation which is orientated parallel to and arranged on an extension line of the inner fold line.

[0064] According to an embodiment, at least two of the edge strips have a respective fold-out unit. For example, two adjacent of the edge strips may have a respective fold-out unit.

[0065] Typically, each edge strip has a respective fold-out unit. Accordingly, fixing of the flat product may be facilitated.

[0066] Furthermore, at least one, typically all of the edge strips may have more than one fold-out unit, e.g. two fold-out units or three fold-out units.

[0067] The fold-out units may be arranged between the inner fixing area and the outer (fixing) area of the respective edge strip.

[0068] In a first folded state, the fold-out units may form a positioning tool for the flat product. Accordingly, fixing the flat product may be facilitated.

[0069] In a second folded state, the fold-out units may stabilize the respective three- dimensional perimeter member when folded into the first folding state.

[0070] Furthermore, the fold-out units may be used as a hanger for the mounting system.

[0071] The fold-out units may be implemented by continuous cutting lines.

[0072] Typically, the respective fold-out unit includes a flap, in particular a folding flap.

[0073] The respective fold-out unit may in particular be implemented as a double wing door structure having two adjacent flaps.

[0074] In the first folded state, the flap(s) may face upwards with respect to the upper side.

[0075] In the second folded state and when the respective edge strip forms the respective three-dimensional perimeter member, the flap(s) are typically folded into / project into the respective three-dimensional perimeter member.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the central portion has on, more typically at the lower side a creasing structure or corrugation structure for enhancing a stiffness of the mounting system in the first folding state. Accordingly, the stability of the mounting system in the first folding state is increased for given other material / geometry properties.

[0077] The creasing or corrugation structure may be implemented by channel-shaped depressions at the lower side (those structures are also known as“Sicke” in German).

[0078] For example, the creasing structure may include creasing lines at the lower side, more typically one pair or even more pairs of two crossing creasing lines extending between a pair or even all pairs of adjacent inner fold lines. In the following, the creasing lines are also referred to as crease lines.

[0079] Note that an additional creasing or corrugation structure is typically not used for base structures made of a sufficiently stable material such as a polypropylene based material with internal honeycomb or bubble structure.

[0080] Typically, the mounting system as explained herein is shipped together with the flat product to be mounted on the mounting system at a customer site as a set.

[0081] In the following section of Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading," "trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0082] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic top view of an upper side and a layout, respectively, of a foldable mounting system 100 in a non-folded or unfolded (flat) state.

[0083] In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting system 100 has rectangular central portion 10 forming at the illustrated upper side a supporting area for a viewing portion of an artwork. The central portion is delimited by first peripheral fold lines 1 formed between the central portion 10 and the exemplary four edge strips 1 1 -14. In other words, the first peripheral fold lines form sides of the central portion.

[0084] Note that the central portion may also have a hexagonal or any other polygonal shape. [0085] Further, several parallel inner fold line 2 are formed in the central portion 10 and extend as respective extension lines 2’ to (and along) the upper and lower edge strips 12, 14 for folding the central portion 10 and the two edge strips 12, 14.

[0086] The inner fold lines 2 and the extension lines 2’ divide the central portion 10 and the upper and the lower edge strip 12, 14 into several sections S1 to S7. As illustrated in figure 2, the mounting system 100 can be folded along the inner fold lines 2 and the extension lines 2’ (in a zigzag-like manner in the exemplary embodiment) into a compact second folding state particularly suitable for shipping in which the sections S1 to S7 are arranged over each other in this order.

[0087] Note that the unfolded state illustrated in figure 1 may result from (un)folding the mounting system on a table from the second folding state.

[0088] Note further that the figures are provided with respective Cartesian coordinate systems xyz for reasons of clarity.

[0089] Referring back to figure 1 , further embodiments are explained.

[0090] As each of the edge strips 1 1 -14 is foldable with respect to the central portion 10 along the respective first peripheral fold line 1 , and foldable along respective second peripheral fold lines 7-9 which are parallel to the respective first peripheral fold line 1. The edge strips 1 1 -14 are foldable into respective three-dimensional perimeter member, typically having an at least substantially rectangular cross section. The inner fold lines 8 are typically defined by and/or define the outer edges of the artwork.

[0091] Each of the edge strips 1 1 -14 has at the upper side a respective outer fixing area 4. Accordingly, the edge strips 1 1 -14 are fixable with the outer fixing area 4 on the lower side of the central portion 10 after folding into the respective three-dimensional perimeter member.

[0092] Furthermore, inner fixing areas 3 may be used for fixing an artwork on the mounting system 100.

[0093] To facilitate fixing the artwork in the right place (indicated by the four dashed edges outside the base structure 10-14), fold-out units 6 of the edge strips 1 1 -14 may be used.

[0094] In embodiments referring to corrugated cardboard as material of the base structure 10-14, the wave direction of the cardboard should be at least substantially perpendicular to the inner fold line(s) 2 for reasons of stability (see the lower partial figure next to the coordinate system in figure 1 ). [0095] Furthermore, a creasing structure 8’ typically formed by the illustrated dashed dotted creasing lines 8’ may be arranged at the backside of the base structure 10-14.

[0096] With respect to figure 3A to 10B processes of mounting an artwork to the mounting system 100 and folding the mounting system 100 into a first folding state in which the mounting system 100 carries the artwork are explained.

[0097] Figure 3A correspond to a perspective view on the mounting system 100 in the flat state.

[0098] In a first process, flaps 6a, 6b of fold-out units 6 of the mounting system 100 may be fold out. The resulting first folded state of the fold-out units 6 in which the flaps 6a, 6b face upwards with respect to the upper side is illustrated in figures 3B, 3C.

[0099] As illustrated in figures 4A to 4B, an (unwind) flat artwork 50 may, thereafter, be positioned on and at the upper side of the base structure 10-14 and within an area defined by the fold-out units 6 in the first folded state.

[00100] Thereafter, the artwork 50 may be lifted above one of the edge strips, typically above one of the shorter edge strips (1 1 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figure 5), and an inner cover layer 3a protecting an inner adhesive region 3b of the edge strip 1 1 may be peeled off.

[00101] Thereafter, the artwork 50 may be fixed to the edge strip 1 1 by pressing the artwork 52 onto the inner adhesive region 3b.

[00102] Thereafter, the artwork 50 may be lifted above the remaining edge strips 12-14 and rolled back, respectively.

[00103] Thereafter, the inner cover layers 3a of the inner adhesive region 3b of the other edge strips 12-14 may be peeled off and the fold-out units 6 may be folded back into the flat state. The resulting structure 150 is illustrated in figure 6.

[00104] Thereafter or prior to folding the fold-out units back 6 into their flat state, the artwork 50 may be fixed on the remaining edge strips 12-14 by rolling out the artwork 50 again and pressing the artwork 50 to the inner adhesive region 3b of the other edge strips 12-14.

[00105] Thereafter, the mounting system 100 including the fixed artwork 50 may be turned upside down on the table or another flat support. As illustrated in figure 7, the backside 10’ the base structure 10-14 becomes visible.

[00106] Thereafter, projecting ends of the artwork 50 may be cut off using a knife or scissors as indicated in figure 7. [00107] For sake of clarity, the creasing structure (8’) at the backside 10’ is not shown in figures 7 to 10B. Likewise, the optional creasing structure at the backside is also not shown in the figures 1 1 to 15C.

[00108] Thereafter, the edge strips 1 1 - 14 may be folded one after the other into perimeter members. This is illustrated for the edge strip 14 in figures 8A to 8C. Figure 8A illustrates the flat state in a top view on the backside 10’. Figure 8B and 8C illustrate a respective vertical cross-section during folding (Fig. 8B) and after (pre-) folding the edge strip 14 into the perimeter member, respectively.

[00109] Thereafter, an outer cover layer 4a of the edge strip 14 may be peeled off from the underlying adhesive region 4b.

[00110] Thereafter, the adhesive region 4b of the edge strip 14 may be pressed onto the backside 10’. Depending on the length of the edge strip 14, the outer cover layer 4a may be peeled off piecewise and the adhesive region 4b may be pressed piecewise onto the back side 10’.

[00111] As illustrated in figure 9, these processes are repeated for the remaining edge strips 1 1 to 13 typically in the order indicated by the arrows a to d, i.e. beginning with the longer edge strips 14, 12.

[00112] Folding the edges strips 1 1 to 14 into three-dimensional perimeter members and fixing them onto the backside 10’ creates sufficient tension to remove any wrinkles of the artwork 50. In addition, the central portion of the base structure may be slightly bent.

[00113] As further illustrated in figure 9, typically protruding corner regions 5 of the edge strips 1 1 , 13 are on the backside 10’ also provided with a respective adhesive corner region 5b covered by a respective corner cover layer 5b that may be peeled off.

[00114] As illustrated in figure 10A, the corner regions 5 may be fixed on (glued to) an adjacent perimeter member by pressing the adhesive corner region 5b onto the adjacent perimeter member.

[00115] Accordingly, very stable edges of the (foldable) support structure 100 for the artwork 50 is achieved.

[00116] Thereafter, the flaps 6A, 6B of the fold-out unit 6 may be pushed (folded) into the respective perimeter member 1 1 -14 as illustrated in figure 10A and 10B.

[00117] In the resulting second folded state, the fold-out units 6 further stabilize the respective perimeter member 1 1 -14. [00118] Furthermore, the fold-out units 6 may form hangers for the framed artwork 150 in the second state.

[00119] Assembling the framed artwork 150 is comparatively easy, neither a special training nor special tools are required. Nevertheless and despite the inner fold lines 2, a very stable framing for the artwork can be provided also ensuring proper tension of the artwork. The mounting system can easily be adapted according to the size and/or material properties of the artwork. Furthermore, the mounting system is easy to manufacture (e.g. using a blank of flat material and tools like a folding machine and/or cutting tools), lightweight and can be folded to a comparatively small size. Accordingly, low shipping costs of the mounting system and a set including or consisting of the mounting system and the artwork, respectively, can be achieved.

[00120] This also applies to the mounting system described in the following, in which an adhesive joint for fixing the edge strips folded into perimeter members can even be dispensed with. Instead (or in addition), the perimeter members are mechanically fixed. When the perimeter members are only mechanically fixed, a stable framing of the artworks (flat products) can be achieved independent of the order in which the perimeter members are fixed. Therefore, the fixing of flat products or artworks, in particular for untrained end users, can be simplified and/or facilitated even further.

[00121] Figure 1 1 illustrates a schematic top view of an upper side and a layout, respectively, of a foldable mounting system 200 in a non-folded or unfolded (flat) state.

[00122] The mounting system 200 is similar to the mounting system 100 explained above with reference to figures 1 to 10B. However, the exemplary central portion 10 of the mounting system 200 has only five sections S1 to S5, which are foldable in pairs along the inner folding lines 2 with their upper sides towards each other, but typically not in pairs with their upper sides towards each other. For reasons of clarity, identical or at least essentially identical elements in the figures are provided with the same reference signs.

[00123] As shown in Figure 12, the mounting system 200 can also be folded along the inner folding lines 2 and their extension lines 2' into the compact second folding state suitable for shipping, typically not by a Z-fold but by a roll-fold. Due to the roll fold, an artwork to be fixed, such as a picture (or another flat product), can be framed in a particularly simple and reliable manner with the desired smooth and crease-free appearance.

[00124] Furthermore, for the mounting system 200, the outer areas 4 shown in Figure 1 1 are not designed as outer fixing areas. Instead, several or even a large number (>10) of fold-out or fold-out fixing elements F are formed in the central portion 10 on the upper side (e.g. from the upper side), typically as respective pre-punched structures. Likewise, a fold- out or fold-out corner fastening element E is formed in each of the exemplary four corner regions, typically as respective pre-punched structures.

[00125] For each of the fixing elements F, hereinafter also referred to as perimeter member fixing elements and locking elements, respectively, and each of the corner fastening elements E, there are provided on the upper side of the edge strips 1 1 -14 pre-punched fold- out structures 81 , 82 for creating openings into which end portions of the fixing elements F and the corner fastening elements E, respectively, can be inserted into after folding the edge strips into respective perimeter members.

[00126] As illustrated in Figure 1 1 , the pre-punched structures 81 , 82 of the edge strips are typically implemented as perforation lines (curves) adjacent to or even adjoining the respective center fold line 8. The structures 81 , 82 then fold out by themselves when folding the edge strips 1 1 -14 into respective three-dimensional perimeter members. The structures 81 , 82 can also be implemented as parts of the middle fold line 8 of the second peripheral fold lines 7-9 and/or adjoin the respective middle fold line 8.

[00127] In addition, for geometric reasons, each of the pre-punched structures 81 for the openings of the fixing elements F is typically centered with respect to a respective central axis A, which intersects the respective first peripheral fold line 1 perpendicularly between a fixing element F and the corresponding pre-punched structure 81.

[00128] In order to enable a particularly secure fixing of the perimeter members, a maximum horizontal extension of the end section of the fixing element F in a direction perpendicular to the respective central axis A is typically one percent to about 10 % greater than a maximum horizontal extension of the corresponding pre-punched structure 81 (and the opening, respectively) in this direction.

[00129] For this reason, the end section(s) of the fixing element(s) F may also be barbed (for snapping / engaging into the respective opening) on the sides near an internal folding line f. In other words, the fixing element(s) F may be implemented as (fold-out) snap- in elements and latching elements, respectively.

[00130] Typically, the fixing element(s) F is (are) mirror-symmetrical to their respective central axis A.

[00131] As further shown in Figure 1 1 , the corner fastening elements E may be similar to the fixing elements F and may also have a respective internal fold line e, wherein the respective central axis B of the corner fastening elements E is oriented in the direction of a respective bisecting line of adjacent first peripheral fold lines 1 . In addition, the end sections of the corner fastening elements E are typically designed in such a way that their left and right sections (with respect to their central axis B), respectively, can be inserted into a respective opening of the adjacent perimeter members (latching), which can be formed by unfolding respective structures 82.

[00132] In the exemplary embodiment, the fixing elements F and the corner fastening elements E together with the corresponding openings that can be made from the structures 81 , 82 form a mechanical locking system (in the following also as a fixing system) for the edge strips 1 1 -14 folded into perimeter members. This is explained in more detail in the following.

[00133] The first steps for attaching or framing a picture 51 (or another bendable flat product) using the mounting system 200 are typically similar or even the same as for attaching or framing the artwork 50 (picture) using the mounting system 100 as explained above with reference to figures 3A to 6.

[00134] In particular, Figure 13 illustrates a process which is analogous to Figure 4A and in which the picture 51 is placed on the top (upper side) of the mounting system 200 after the fold-out units 6 have been unfolded into adjustment aids for the picture 51 (and are thus in the first folded state).

[00135] Thereafter, the edge of picture 51 can be fixed on the edge strips 1 1 -14 of the mounting system 200. In particular, the picture 51 can be glued on the inner adhesive regions 3b after removing the inner cover layers 3a. This is typically done in the same way as explained above with reference to figures 5 and 6.

[00136] Figure 14 shows the formed structure 251 after it has been rotated by 180° and placed on a not shown supporting surface (see also Figure 8A for comparison).

[00137] As illustrated in figures 14-15 C, the edge strips 1 1 -14 can then be folded in any order along the respective fold lines 1 , 7-9 to form respective three-dimensional perimeter members. In so doing the picture 51 is stretched and any existing folds or creases are reliably removed. The formed perimeter members are fixed by means of the locking system.

[00138] As illustrated in the lower part of Figure 14 showing an enlarged section for one of the four corner regions marked with an arrow, the corner piece 18 may be removed in the corner region along a respective punching line between the adjacent edge strips prior to folding the edge strips 1 1 -14 into the perimeter members.

[00139] This makes it possible to easily and cleanly remove exposed, superfluous corner areas of the picture 51 with scissors or a cutter (or another knife), which would otherwise have to be inserted between two adjacent perimeter members (see the corner area in the left illustration of Figure 15B).

[00140] As shown in the left illustration of Figure 15B for the edge strip 1 1 , an opening O can simply be formed for the adjacent fixing element F during folding the edge strip(s), in particular if the respective structure 81 is formed by a continuous punch line. Alternatively, the opening(s) O may be be formed by a (punched out) through hole(s) in the edge strip(s)

[00141] As shown in the right illustration of Figure 15B, by unfolding the fixing element F, folding the fixing element F along the internal folding line f and inserting the thereby formed perimeter member-side end portion of the fixing element F into the opening O, the perimeter member 14 can be arrested at this place (see also Figure 15 A, in which a schematic cross-sectional view with the dashed fixing element F is shown for better understanding).

[00142] These process steps can be performed accordingly for the other fixing elements F (and the other perimeter members).

[00143] As shown in Figure 15C, the corners formed between the edge strips and perimeter members, respectively, can be fixed analogously by means of a respective corner fastening element E. For this purpose, each of the two projecting end sections of a corner fastening element E is typically inserted into a respective hole (opening) of the adjacent perimeter members in a latching manner.

[00144] According to an embodiment, a foldable mounting system for an artwork and/or other flat products includes a continuous base structure having an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side, and includes a polygonal central portion including and/or forming at the upper side a polygonal supporting area for a viewing portion of the artwork defined by sides (side lines) of the central portion, and at least one inner fold line for folding the central portion. The at least one inner fold line extends at least substantially between two of the side lines. The base structure further includes edge strips. Each edge strip forms a first peripheral fold line with and extends at least substantially along one of the sides, and includes several further peripheral fold lines which are parallel to the first peripheral fold line, and, at the upper side, an inner fixing area for the art work and an outer (fixing) area, so that each edge strip is foldable into a three-dimensional perimeter member fixable with the respective outer (fixing) area with respect to and/or on the lower side of the central portion.

[00145] According to an embodiment, a foldable mounting system comprises a central portion and a plurality of edge strips. Each of the edge strips is foldably connected to the central portion along a respective first peripheral fold line. At an upper side of the mounting system, the first peripheral fold lines define a polygonal support area and/or a back for a viewing portion of a flat product. The central portion has at least one inner fold line which extends at least substantially between two of the first peripheral fold lines and which may be extended to adjacent edge strips for folding the central portion and/or the mounting system. The edge strips include respective second peripheral fold lines that are parallel to the adjacent first peripheral fold line. At the upper side, the edge strips include an inner fixing area for the flat product and an outer area. The respective edge strip can be folded into a three-dimensional perimeter member such that its outer area is arranged opposite the lower side of the central portion. The central portion is typically polygonal when seen from above.

[00146] The outer area can be fixed to the central portion, in particular to the lower side of the central portion, by means of a (mechanical) locking system after the respective edge strip has been folded into a three-dimensional perimeter member.

[00147] The outer area may only lie on and/or rest on the lower side of the central portion if a respective edge strip is folded to form the three-dimensional perimeter member (in the first folding state).

[00148] However, it is also possible that the outer area is additionally glued to the lower side of the central portion.

[00149] The locking system may include an opening in the edge strip at least when folded into a three-dimensional perimeter member and a partially insertable fixing element which can be unfolded and/or unfolded from the polygonal central portion.

[00150] The opening can be formed by unfolding a pre-punched structure from the edge strip (folded into a peripheral element), in particular a folding flap.

[00151] In addition, the fixing element may be foldable along a (internal) folding line of the fixing element.

[00152] Typically, the locking system includes at least two locking elements for each edge strip.

[00153] Further, the central portion may include a typically pre-punched fold-out corner fastening element including two end portions partially insertable into a respective opening of two adjacent edge strips folded into a respective three-dimensional peripheral element. These openings can be similar to the openings for fixing elements.

[00154] In addition, the corner fastening element(s) may be foldable along a (internal) fold line of the corner fastening element(s).

[00155] The corner fastening elements may also contribute to fixing the outer portions of adjacent three-dimensional perimeter members. [00156] Typically, one corner fastening element is provided for each pair of adjacent edge strips.

[00157] Typically, the locking system includes at least one fixing element for each edge strip and one corner fastening element for each pair of adjacent edge strips (in the folded state / as perimeter members).

[00158] Furthermore, the central portion may include a breakable or tearable corner piece in the corner areas next to two adjacent edge strips.

[00159] The corner pieces may be pre-punched and/or may be breakable or tearable along a punching line.

[00160] By using corner pieces which are easily detachable without additional tools, it can be safely prevented that parts of the artwork to be fixed or framed are accidentally cut off during processing the corners.

[00161] Any (protruding) corner sections of the artwork can simply be pushed into the formed frame or cleanly cut along the typically at least section-wise straight breaking edge or tear-off edge.

[00162] Although various exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made which will achieve some of the advantages of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be obvious to those reasonably skilled in the art that other components performing the same functions may be suitably substituted. It should be mentioned that features explained with reference to a specific figure may be combined with features of other figures, even in those cases in which this has not explicitly been mentioned. Such modifications to the inventive concept are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[00163] Spatially relative terms such as“under”,“below”,“lower”,“over”,“upper” and the like are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as“first”,“second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

[00164] As used herein, the terms“having”,“containing”,“including”,“compri sing” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles“a”,“an” and“the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[00165] With the above range of variations and applications in mind, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited by the foregoing description, nor is it limited by the accompanying drawings. Instead, the present invention is limited only by the following claims and their legal equivalents .