A mounting aid with a plurality of legs and method for providing support when mounting a cover plate

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mounting aid and method for providing support when mounting a cover plate, or cover board, to fixed furniture such as a cabinet The mounting aid according to the technology disclosed comprises two legs rotatably connected via a pivot axis of a pivot connection structure. The mounting aid further comprises a spring having a relaxed length and arranged and configured to exert a counter force when extended from its relaxed length by the action of rotatably pulling the two legs apart. The present invention further relates to a defined by arranging the mounting aid, with the legs rotatably pulled apart and the spring in extended state, on a surface of a fixed furniture so that the mounting aid is arranged between the surface of the fixed furniture and an opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture so that the spring exerts a counter force that is converted via the pivotal connection structure into mechanical force applied to both the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture, thereby providing support for a cover plate to be mounted on / to the fixed furniture. The present invention also relates to a support structure configured to provide support for a cover plate, where the support structure comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to each other. The first portion comprises a first surface portion configured to stabilize the support structure when the support structure is arranged on a substantially flat surface. The second portion comprises a second surface portion configured to provide support for a flat cover plate.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] A mounting aid with a plurality of legs and method for providing support when mounting a cover plate

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a mounting aid for providing support when mounting a cover plate, or cover board, to fixed furniture such as a cabinet and to a method for mounting a cover plate to fixed furniture such as a cabinet.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Today, when mounting a cover plate, or cover board, on fixed furniture such as kitchen cabinets, wardrobes etc., there is no available or ready-made aid to be used for providing support for and holding the cover plate in place during the mounting of the cover plate on the fixed furniture. Anyone who mounts a cover plate in the space between a cabinet and a toe kick / toe space, an overhead or side wall typically needs to come up with their own solution for keeping the cover plate in place, commonly involving the use of e.g. strips, studs, screws, glue etc. The absence of a mounting aid and the use of strips, studs, screws and / or glue makes the current process for mounting a cover plate on the bottom, top surface or the sidewall of fixed furniture such as cabinets cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0007] The space between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling is called “soffit”. A kitchen soffit is typically a boxy shape designed to cover up pipes, wiring, and other mechanical or to fill the gap or space between a top cabinet and the ceiling, or the cabinet and a wall. Depending on the age of the home, the boxy shaped soffits may be quite large and even extend beyond the cabinets.

[0008] Whether the soffit is cloaked can make a kitchen look suffocated and feel too claustrophobic. Removing a kitchen soffit is not always an option, so homeowners must find different innovative ways to cover them. Some soffits can reach 4-5 feet in height, serving as massive boxes that hide the home’s mechanical and electronic components. Because the mechanical and industrial components of the home are exposed to the elements, a kitchen soffit is also known as the interior soffit. Typically, such components are found within the walls, on the exterior, or beneath the house. However, certain elements, such as water pipes and vents that circulate air from the stove, must remain inside for better access.

[0009] The space between a cabinet and the floor is typically called a toe kick, or toe space. Toe kick refers specifically to the recessed area at the bottom front of base cabinets. It allows room for your feet when you stand close to the countertop, improving comfort and ergonomics. It is usually about 3.5 inches high and 3 inches deep. The process of mounting a cover plate to fixed furniture is today rather cumbersome, time-consuming and typically requires the use of strips, studs, screws and / or glue.

[0010] Thus, there is a need for a time-saving solution that makes it easier to mount a cover plate on fixed furniture such as a cabinet. In particular, there is a need for an easy-to-handle solution to hold the cover plate in place during the mounting of the cover plate on a cabinet such as a kitchen cabinet or wardrobe in order to thereby simplify the positioning of the cover plate in the correct position in relation to the cabinet on which it is to be mounted.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] In light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with mounting a cover plate to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet.

[0013] A primary object of the present disclosure is therefore to introduce a mounting aid and method providing for a mounting of a cover plate on a surface of a fixed furniture that is less cumbersome and time-consuming and that typically does not require the use of strips, studs, screws and / or glue for positioning and holding the cover plate in place during the mounting of the cover plate on / to the fixed furniture.

[0014] The primary object is at least partly achieved by providing a mounting aid configured for providing support for a cover plate, or cover board, when mounting the cover plate to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet.

[0015] The technology disclosed addresses the above-mentioned problems associated with the mounting of a cover plate by providing a mounting aid that comprises a plurality of legs and a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis, where the plurality of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure.

[0016] The mounting aid further comprises an elastic structure, such as a spring, having a relaxed length and that is configured to exert a counter force when extended from its relaxed length.

[0017] The elastic structure, or spring, is part of, connected to or arranged on the mounting aid and configured to exert a counter force when extended or compressed from its relaxed state by the rotational movement of at least one of the first leg and the second leg around the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure.

[0018] Thus, the technology disclosed relates to a mounting aid and method for supporting a cover plate during installation on fixed furniture such as cabinets. The device includes two legs connected by a pivot, with a spring mechanism that exerts force when the legs are separated. This force maintains the mounting aid in position between two opposing surfaces (e.g., cabinet base and floor), allowing it to temporarily hold a cover plate in place. The mounting aid further comprises support structures for providing support for a cover plate. In embodiments, support structures at the ends of the legs may include Velcro or adhesive material for secure attachment. The invention simplifies installation by enabling hands-free positioning and alignment of cover plates, particularly in soffit or toe kick areas.

[0019] In embodiments, the mounting aid comprises a first support structure connected to an end portion of the first leg, and a second support structure connected to an end portion of the second leg. Each of the first support structure and the second support structure is configured to stabilize the mounting aid and provide support for a cover plate when the mounting aid is arranged between and in contact with two substantially flat surfaces.

[0020] In embodiments, each of the first support structure and the second support structure is rotatably connected to the end portion of their respective leg.

[0021] In embodiments, each of the first support structure and the second support structure is releasably connected to the end portion of their respective leg.

[0022] In embodiments, each of the first support structure and the second support structure is connected to the end portion of their respective leg via a click-in connection.

[0023] In embodiments, each of the first support structure and the second support structure is connected to the end portion of their respective leg via a click-in and click-out connection.

[0024] In embodiments, at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure comprises a substructure configured to be releasably connected via a click-in and click-out connection to at least one of a substructure and a hole structure on the end portion of their respective leg.

[0025] In embodiments, at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure comprises a hole structure configured to be releasably connected via a dick-in and click-out connection to a sub-structure on the end portion of their respective leg.

[0026] In embodiments, at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure includes a sticking material such as a Velcro material section configured to be connected to a corresponding sticking material section on a cover plate so that the cover plate is secured to the mounting aid.

[0027] In embodiments, a surface of at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure configured to be in direct physical contact with a substantially flat surface comprises an elongated protrusion adapted to run in a groove provided on the substantially flat surface.

[0028] In embodiments, the spring is a spring arranged in the pivot connection structure connecting two legs of the mounting aid, such as a helical / coil spring or a torsion spring. In embodiments, the spring is an elongated spring attached to both the first leg and the second leg and that is extending between the first leg and the second leg.

[0029] In embodiments, at least one of the first leg and the second leg comprises a plurality of attachment positions along the longitudinal axis of the leg for attaching the elastic structure, or spring, to the leg at a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis of the leg.

[0030] In embodiments, the first leg and the second leg is a pair of crossed legs rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure.

[0031] In embodiments, the mounting aid consists of a first leg and a second leg in a V-shaped or A-shaped formation.

[0032] In embodiments, the mounting aid comprises a first support structure comprises a first support structure that is rotatably connected to an end of a first leg of the mounting aid, a second support structure that is rotatably connected to an end of a second leg of the mounting and the pivot connection structure of the mounting aid also forms a third support structure that is rotatably connected about the same pivot axis of the pivot connection structure as the pivot axis that is rotatably connecting the first leg and the second leg.

[0033] In aspects, the technology disclosed relates to a method for mounting a cover plate to a fixed furniture using a mounting aid comprising a spring and two legs rotatably connected via a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis, the method comprising:

[0034] - pulling the two legs apart to thereby extend the spring from its relaxed state so that the spring exerts a counter force, and

[0035] - arranging the mounting aid, with the rotatably connected first leg and second leg pulled apart and the spring extended from its relaxed state, between a fixed surface of the fixed furniture and a fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture so that the mounting aid is in contact with both surfaces and the restoring force of the spring, via the pivot connection structure, exerts a force onto both the fixed surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture so that the mounting aid thereby remains between the two surfaces following release of the pulling of the first leg and second leg apart.

[0036] In aspects, the technology disclosed relates to a method for mounting a cover plate to a fixed furniture, the method comprising:

[0037] - providing a mounting aid having a plurality of legs and a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis, wherein the plurality of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure, a spring arranged and configured to exert a counter force when extended or compressed from its relaxed state by the rotational movement of at least one of the first leg and the second leg around the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure, - pulling the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart to thereby extend the spring from its relaxed state so that the spring exerts a counter force, and

[0038] - arranging the mounting aid, with the rotatably connected first leg and second leg pulled apart and the spring extended from its relaxed state, between a fixed surface of the fixed furniture and a fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture so that the mounting aid is in contact with both surfaces and the spring exerts a force onto both the fixed surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture.

[0039] In embodiments, the mounting aid comprises a first support structure rotatably connected to an end portion of the first leg and a second support structure rotatably connected to an end portion of the second leg and the method is further comprising:

[0040] - arranging the mounting aid so that the first and second support structures are both in contact with one of the fixed surfaces, and

[0041] - mounting the cover plate to the fixed furniture so that the cover plate is supported by the first support structure and the second support structure of the mounting aid arranged between the surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture.

[0042] In embodiments, the method is further comprising:

[0043] - releasing the pulling of the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart with the mounting aid in contact with both the surface of a fixed furniture and the surface opposite to the surface of the fixed furniture, thereby the spring is exerting a counter force converted via the pivotal connection structure into mechanical force applied to both the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture.

[0044] In embodiments, at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure includes a section with a Velcro material and the method is further comprising:

[0045] - connecting the Velcro material section of at least one of the first and second support structure to a corresponding Velcro material section of the cover plate so that the cover plate is connected to the mounting aid.

[0046] In embodiments, the method is further comprising the following step prior to pulling the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart:

[0047] - releasably connecting the first support structure to an end portion of the first leg and the second support structure to an end portion of the second leg so that the first and second leg are releasably connected to the end portion of their respective leg. In embodiments, the method further comprising the following step after said step of arranging the mounting aid between the fixed surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface:

[0048] - disconnecting the first support structure from the end portion of the first leg and disconnecting the second support structure from the end portion of the second leg.

[0049] In aspects, the technology disclosed relates to a support structure for a mounting aid configured to be connected to an end portion of a leg of the mounting aid, wherein said support structure is configured to be releasably and rotatably connected to an end portion of a leg of the mounting aid via a dick-in and click-out connection

[0050] In embodiments, the support structure comprises a sub-structure configured to be releasably and rotatably connected via a dick-in and click-out connection to at least one of a sub-structure and a hole structure on an end portion of a leg of a mounting aid.

[0051] In embodiments, the support structure comprises a hole structure configured to be releasably connected via a click-in and dick-out connection to at least one of a sub-structure and a hole structure on an end portion of a leg of a mounting aid.

[0052] In embodiments, the support structure comprises a sticking material section such as a Velcro material section configured to be connected to a corresponding Velcro material section on a cover plate.

[0053] In embodiments, the support structure comprises a substantially flat surface configured to be arranged on a substantially flat surface to stabilize the mounting aid.

[0054] In embodiments, the elastic connection structure, when in its relaxed length, is extending between the first leg and the second leg at a distance from the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure along the length of the elastic connection structure that is longer than 5%, preferably longer than 10%, of the total length of each of the first leg and the second leg and less than 45% of the total length of each, or at least one, of the first leg and the second leg.

[0055] In embodiments, both the first position on the first leg and the second position on the second leg are at a distance from the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure along the longitudinal axis of their respective leg that is longer than 5% of the total length of the respective leg and less than 45% of the total length of the respective leg.

[0056] In embodiments, the elastic connection structure is configured to exert a counter force when the first and second legs are pulled apart and the elastic connection structure is extended from its relaxed length. In embodiments, at least one of the two end portions of each of the first leg and the second leg comprises a support structure configured to provide support for a cover plate that is to be mounted to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet. In certain embodiments, the respective support structure is a foot structure comprising a substantially flat surface adapted to be arranged on a flat surface of a fixed furniture to thereby provide support for and used for positioning a cover plate that is to be mounted to the fixed furniture.

[0057] In embodiments, at least one of the first leg and the second leg comprises a plurality of attachment positions along the longitudinal axis of the leg for attaching the elastic connection structure to the leg at a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis of the leg. By providing a plurality of attachment positions, the mounting aid the user of the mounting aid may adapted distance between the end portions, e.g. foot structure, of the legs and the counter force the elastic connection structure exerts on the two surfaces to the distance / space between the surface of the fixed furniture the mounting aid is arranged on and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture the mounting aid is also to be in contact with, e.g. overhead / inner ceiling or side wall.

[0058] In embodiments, the elastic connection structure comprises at least one spring. In certain embodiments, the mounting aid may then be configured so that the first end portion of the at least one spring is attached to a first position on the first leg and the other second end portion of the at least one spring is attached to a second position on the second leg. At least one of the first leg and the second leg may then comprise a plurality of at least one of recesses and holes along their respective longitudinal length to adapt the mounting aid and the counter force exerted by the at least one spring to the distance / space between the surface of the fixed furniture the mounting aid is arranged on and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture the mounting aid is also to be in contact with. The at least one end portion of the at least one spring may then be configured to be releasably attached to each of the plurality of recesses or holes of the respective leg to thereby enable adjustment of the distance from the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure along the longitudinal axis of the respective leg.

[0059] In embodiments, at least one end of the first leg and at least one end of the second leg comprises a stabilizing foot structure configured for stabilizing the mounting aid when the mounting aid is arranged on a surface, e.g. the surface of a fixed furniture such as a cabinet. The at least one of the stabilizing foot structures of the at least one end of the first leg and the stabilizing foot structure of the at least one end of the second leg each may then be rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation to their respective ends to thereby be configured for stabilizing the mounting aid when the mounting aid is arranged on a surface.

[0060] In embodiments, the mounting aid comprises a rigid structure, or substantially rigid structure, for maintaining a predetermined distance between the mounting aid and an edge of a fixed furniture such as a cabinet to which the mounting aid is to be mounted. The predetermined distance may then be adapted to substantially correspond to the thickness of the cover plate to be mounted to the fixed furniture. The substantially rigid structure may then be an integral part of the mounting aid or may be a separate structure that may be easily attached to the mounting aid, e.g. the substantially rigid structure and the end structure of the mounting aid may be configured so that the substantially rigid structure may be attached to the mounting aid at a plurality of relative positions to thereby define a plurality of predetermined distances corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate to be mounted to the fixed furniture.

[0061] In aspect, the technology disclosed relates to a method for providing support when mounting a cover plate to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet, the method comprising:

[0062] - providing a mounting aid comprising a pair of crossed legs and a pivotal connection structure, the pair of crossed legs comprises a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected through a pivot axis of the pivotal connection structure, and an elastic connection structure or spring having a relaxed length and connecting the first leg with the second leg at a distance from the pivot axis of the pivotal connection structure,

[0063] - pulling the first leg and second leg of the mounting aid apart so that the elastic connection structure is extended to be longer than its relaxed length to thereby allow for the elastic connection structure to exert a counter force, and

[0064] - arranging the mounting aid with the elastic connection structure having a length longer than its relaxed length on a surface of a fixed furniture such as a cabinet so that the mounting aid is arranged between and is in contact with both the surface of the fixed furniture and an opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture so that the extended elastic connection structure exerts a counter force that is converted via the pivotal connection structure into mechanical force applied to both the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture.

[0065] In embodiments, the method is further comprising:

[0066] - mounting the cover plate to the fixed furniture when the mounting aid is arranged between and in contact with both the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture.

[0067] In embodiments, the method is further comprising:

[0068] - mounting the cover plate to the fixed furniture so that the cover plate is supported by the mounting aid arranged between the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture.

[0069] In embodiments, the mounting aid comprises a substantially rigid structure adapted for maintaining a predetermined distance between the mounting aid and an edge of the fixed furniture, and the step of arranging the mounting aid is further comprising: - arranging the mounting aid at a predetermined distance from an edge of the front surface of the fixed furniture, wherein the predetermined distance is determined by the substantially rigid structure of the mounting aid and is corresponding substantially to the thickness of the cover plate be mounted to the fixed furniture.

[0070] In embodiments, the step of arranging the mounting aid is further comprising:

[0071] - arranging an end portion of the substantially rigid structure of the mounting aid around the edge of the cabinet on which surface the mounting aid is arranged so that the mounting aid is arranged at a predetermined distance from the edge determined by the substantially rigid structure and corresponding substantially to the thickness of the cover plate to be mounted to the fixed furniture so that the cover plate, following the mounting of the mounting aid, forms a substantially flush surface with the front surface of the fixed furniture the mounting aid is mounted to.

[0072] The technology disclosed, as defined by the claims, provides for a less time-consuming solution that also makes it easier to mount a cover plate on / to fixed furniture such as cabinets. In particular, the mounting aid and method according to the technology disclosed provide for an easy-to-handle solution for holding a cover plate in place during the mounting of the cover plate on / to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet in order to thereby simplify the positioning of the cover plate in the correct position in relation to the fixed furniture on which it is to be mounted. For example, the mounting aid and method according to the technology disclosed may be used for alleviating the positioning of the cover plate so that the front surface of the cover plate forms a substantially flush surface with the front surface of the fixed furniture the cover plate is mounted on / to, e.g. a flush surface with the surface of the door of the fixed furniture.

[0073] Other advantages include that the technology disclosed addresses at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with current solutions for arranging a cover plate, or cover board, on a fixed furniture by introducing a mounting aid and method for arranging the mounting aid on a fixed furniture that alleviates the need for using a combination of strips, studs, screws, and glue commonly used for holding a cover plate in place during the mounting of the cover plate on the fixed furniture such as a cabinet.

[0074] Further advantages and advantageous features of the disclosure are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

[0075] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] In the following, the technology disclosed will be described in detail, with reference to exemplifying embodiments and to the enclosed drawings.

[0077] In the drawings: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a front view of a mounting aid according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed,

[0078] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a front view of a mounting aid according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed,

[0079] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a side view of a mounting aid according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed,

[0080] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a side view of a mounting aid according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed,

[0081] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a front view of a mounting aid according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed,

[0082] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a mounting aid according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed,

[0083] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a support structure according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed,

[0084] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a support structure according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed, and

[0085] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the support structure in Fig. 8 when rotatably and releasably connected to a leg of a mounting aid according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed, and

[0086] Fig. 10 is a flow-chart illustrating steps of a method according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed.

[0087] The drawings show diagrammatic, exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. It shall be understood that the embodiments shown and described are exemplifying and that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It shall also be noted that some details in the drawings may be exaggerated in order to better describe and illustrate the disclosure. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the description, unless expressed otherwise.

[0088] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0089] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible. The technology disclosed relates generally to tools and fixtures for furniture assembly, and more particularly to a mounting aid designed to provide temporary support when attaching a cover plate, or cover board, to fixed furniture, such as cabinets.

[0090] Currently, the installation of cover plates on fixed furniture is cumbersome and time-consuming, typically requiring strips, studs, screws, and / or adhesives. This process often necessitates additional support to ensure precise positioning and alignment of the cover plate during installation. Therefore, there is a need for a tool that simplifies this procedure by temporarily supporting and aligning the cover plate during attachment.

[0091] The technology disclosed provides a mounting aid and method for facilitating the installation of cover plates to fixed furniture. It addresses existing inefficiencies by offering a compact, mechanical support structure that is easy to use and does not require permanent fixtures or fasteners during the alignment process.

[0092] The mounting aid includes two legs, each with an end portion attached to a support structure (e.g., foot pads), and a pivot connection allowing the legs to rotate relative to each other. A spring, arranged either between the legs or within the pivot structure, exerts force when the legs are pulled apart.

[0093] The support structures are typically rotatably and releasably connected to the legs, and may be attached via click- in / click-out mechanisms. In embodiments, the support structures are equipped with Velcro or other adhesion materials for temporarily securing the cover plate.

[0094] The legs may be arranged in a V- or A-shape with a single pivot point at one end of each leg, or the mounting aid may be an X-shaped configuration where the legs cross and are pivotally joined via pivot point at the center.

[0095] The above mentioned configurations of a mounting aid enable the user to compress the spring by rotating the legs, then position the device between two opposing surfaces (e.g., a cabinet top and the inner ceiling or a cabinet base and the floor). When released, the spring force holds the legs in contact with these surfaces, thereby supporting the cover plate.

[0096] Today, there is a need for a less time-consuming solution that also makes it more smooth and easier to mount, or attach, a cover plate to fixed furniture such as cabinets. In particular, there is a need for an easy-to-handle solution to hold the cover plate in place during the mounting of the cover plate on / to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet in order to thereby simplify and improving the accuracy of the positioning of the cover plate in the correct position in relation to the fixed furniture to which the cover plate is to be mounted.

[0097] The present disclosure addresses at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with current solutions for arranging a cover plate, or cover board, on a fixed furniture by introducing a mounting aid and method for arranging the mounting aid on a fixed furniture such as a cabinet. The mounting aid and method of the technology disclosed is configured to alleviate the positioning of the cover plate so that the front surface of the cover plate forms a substantially flush surface with the front surface of the fixed furniture. The mounting aid and method according to the technology disclosed further alleviates the need for using strips, studs, screws, and / or glue today commonly used for holding a cover plate in place during the mounting of the cover plate to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet.

[0098] The technology disclosed introduces a mounting aid for the mounting of a cover plate to a fixed furniture that comprises a plurality of legs and a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis, where the plurality of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure.

[0099] The mounting aid further comprises an elastic structure, such as a spring, having a relaxed length and that is configured to exert a counter force when extended from its relaxed length. The elastic structure, or spring, is arranged on the mounting aid and configured to exert a counter force when extended or compressed from its relaxed state by the rotational movement of at least one of the first leg and the second leg around the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure.

[0100] Thus, the technology disclosed relates to a mounting aid and method for providing support when mounting a cover plate, or cover board, to fixed furniture such as a cabinet. The mounting aid according to the technology disclosed comprises two legs rotatably connected via a pivot axis of a pivot connection structure. The mounting aid further comprises a spring having a relaxed length and arranged in, or connected to, the mounting aid and configured to exert a counter force when in an extended state by the action of rotatably pulling the two legs apart.

[0101] The technology disclosed relates to a mounting aid and method for providing support when mounting a cover plate, or cover board, to fixed furniture such as a cabinet. The mounting aid according to the technology disclosed comprises two legs rotatably connected via a pivot axis of a pivot connection structure. The mounting aid further comprises a spring having a relaxed length and arranged and configured to exert a counter force when extended from its relaxed length by the action of rotatably pulling the two legs apart.

[0102] The spring may be part of or arranged in the mounting aid and is configured to exert a counter force when extended or compressed from its relaxed state by the rotational movement of the legs around the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure. The mounting aid comprises a first support structure that is part of or connected to an end portion of the first leg a second support structure that is part of or connected to an end portion of the second leg. The mounting aid is configured so that the first and second support structure are adapted to be arranged on the same surface of a cabinet, for example in the soffit or toe kick / toe space, so that the first and second support structure can provide support for a cover plate to be mounted to the cabinet to cover the soffit or toe kick / toe space. The technology disclosed provides a mounting aid and method for facilitating the installation of cover plates to fixed furniture. It addresses existing inefficiencies by offering a compact, mechanical support structure that is easy to use and does not require permanent fixtures or fasteners during the alignment process. The mounting aid comprises two legs connected via a pivot axis, a spring mechanism configured to exert a counter force when extended from its relaxed state, and a first and second support structures at the ends of the legs to stabilize the mounting aid and support the cover plate during installation. The technology disclosed ensures the cover plate remains in proper position, especially in areas such as the soffit or toe kick of a cabinet, simplifying alignment and securing operations.

[0103] In aspects, the technology disclosed relates to a mounting aid for providing support when mounting a cover plate to fixed furniture such as a cabinet, comprising:

[0104] • a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis;

[0105] • a spring configured to exert a counter force when extended or compressed from its relaxed state by rotational movement of the legs;

[0106] • a first support structure connected to the end portion of the first leg; and

[0107] • a second support structure connected to the end portion of the second leg; wherein the first and second support structures are configured to contact opposing surfaces to stabilize the mounting aid and support a cover plate.

[0108] In embodiments, the support structures include a foot designed for placement on a cabinet base.

[0109] In embodiments, the spring is housed between the legs or within the pivot connection.

[0110] In embodiments, the support structures are releasably or rotatably connected to the leg ends via a click-in connection.

[0111] In embodiments, the support structures include Velcro for temporary attachment to a cover plate.

[0112] In embodiments, the legs form a V-shape or A-shape with a single pivot at one end, or an X-shape with a central pivot.

[0113] In aspects, the technology disclosed relates to a method for mounting a cover plate to fixed furniture, comprising:

[0114] • providing a mounting aid as defined by any of the above embodiments;

[0115] • pulling the legs apart to extend the spring from its relaxed state;

[0116] • positioning the mounting aid between two opposing surfaces so that the spring exerts a counter force; and releasing the legs so that the mounting aid stabilizes between the surfaces and supports the cover plate during mounting.

[0117] Thus, the method according to the technology disclosed is defined by arranging the mounting aid, with the legs rotatably pulled apart and the spring in an extended state, in contact with both a surface of a fixed furniture and an opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture so that the spring exerts a counter force.

[0118] The method further comprises releasing the pulling of the two legs apart with the mounting aid, with the legs rotatably pulled apart and the spring in an extended state, in contact with both the surface of a fixed furniture and the surface opposite to the surface of the fixed furniture so that the spring exerts a counter force that is converted via the pivotal connection structure into mechanical force that is applied to both the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture. The mounting aid thereby remains between the surface of a fixed furniture and the surface opposite to the surface of the fixed furniture and arranged for providing support for a cover plate to be mounted on / to the fixed furniture.

[0119] The mounting aid may further comprise a first support structure connected to an end portion of the first leg and a second support structure connected to an end portion of the second leg. Each of the first support structure and the second support structure may then be configured to stabilize the mounting aid and provide support for a cover plate when the mounting aid is arranged between and in contact with two substantially flat surfaces.

[0120] The mounting aid and method according to the technology disclosed thus provides for a solution for mounting a cover plate to / on a cabinet that is time saving and less cumbersome. In particular, the mounting aid and method provides an easy-to-handle solution to hold the cover plate in place during the mounting of the cover plate to / on a cabinet such as a kitchen cabinet or wardrobe which simplifies the positioning of the cover plate in the correct position in relation to the front surface of the fixed furniture to which the cover plate is to be mounted.

[0121] The inventor of the technology disclosed proposes a new type of mounting aid for providing support when mounting a cover plate on / to fixed furniture such as a cabinet. According to the method proposed by the inventor, the new type of mounting aid is arranged on the bottom surface, top surface or on a sidewall of the cabinet to thereby provide support for and hold in place a cover plate to be mounted to the cabinet. The cover plate is typically mounted to the cabinet to cover a space between a sidewall of the cabinet and wall surface, e.g. the sidewall of another cabinet or an interior wall of a building, to cover a space between a top surface of the cabinet and an overhead such as an inner ceiling, i.e. a soffit, or to cover a space between the cabinet and the floor, typically called a toe kick or toe space.

[0122] The space between a cabinet and the floor is typically called a toe kick, or toe space. Toe kick refers specifically to the recessed area at the bottom front of base cabinets. It allows room for your feet when you stand close to the countertop, improving comfort and ergonomics. It is usually about 3.5 inches high and 3 inches deep. More broadly, any open or unused space above or under a cabinet, e.g., in freestanding furniture or some bathroom vanities, that might simply be called clearance, under-cabinet space, or floor gap — but toe kick is the standard architectural term in most cabinetry contexts.

[0123] The mounting aid according to the technology disclosed may comprises a plurality of legs connected via a pivot connection structure configured to provide for a rotational movement of each of the legs about the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure. The legs are rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure. In embodiments, the mounting aid may comprise more than one pivot connection structure configured to provide for a pivotal movement about a pivot axis for each of the two legs rotatably connected via the pivot connection structure. In certain embodiments, the mounting aid may comprise more than one pivot connection structure and the two ends of at least one of the legs of the mounting aid is rotatably connected to their respective pivot connection structure.

[0124] The mounting aid according to the technology disclosed further comprises an elastic structure, e.g. in the form of at least one spring The elastic structure, typically comprising at least one spring, is configured to exert a counter force when extended from its relaxed length by use of mechanical force, or manpower. The elastic structure of the mounting aid may be a spring arranged in the pivot connection structure, such as a helical / coil spring or torsion spring, or the elastic structure may be an elongated spring attached to both the first leg and the second leg and that extends between the first leg and the second leg.

[0125] The mounting aid may further comprise a first support structure and a second support structure that are rotatably connected to the end portion of their respective leg. Each of the first support structure and the second support structure may then be releasably connected to the end portion of their respective leg, for example via a dick-in connection or a dick-in and click-out connection.

[0126] At least one of the first support structure and the second support structure may then comprises a sub-structure configured to be releasably connected via a click-in and dick-out connection to at least one of a sub-structure and a hole structure on the end portion of their respective leg or at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure may comprises a hole structure configured to be releasably connected via a dick-in and click-out connection to a sub-structure on the end portion of their respective leg.

[0127] At least one of the first support structure and the second support structure may comprise a Velcro material section, for example a fixed Velcro material, configured to be connected to a corresponding Velcro material section, or fixed Velcro material, on a cover plate so that the cover plate is secured to the mounting aid.

[0128] The elastic connection structure or spring is connected, or attached, to both of the two crossed legs of the mounting aid and extends between the crossed legs so that, when extended from its relaxed length and arranged between a surface of a fixed furniture such as a cabinet and a ceiling or interior wall of a building, the mounting aid exerts a force or pressure on the overhead / ceiling or interior wall that keeps the mounting aid in place, i.e. the mounting aid is squeezed between two surfaces, so that the mounting thereby is positioned for providing support for a cover plate to be arranged on or mounted to the cabinet to cover a space between the cabinet and the overhead / ceiling or the interior wall. Thus, when the elastic connection structure or spring is in its relaxed length, the distance between a free end of a first leg of the mounting aid and a free end of a second leg on the same side of the pivot axis is longer than the distance between the surface of the cabinet and the overhead / interior wall, which means that the mounting aid needs to be squeezed in between the top surface of the cabinet and the overhead or interior wall by means of mechanical force or manpower to decrease the distance between the free end of the first leg and the second leg to be less than the distance between the cabinet and the overhead / interior wall, thereby the mounting aid is exerting a force or pressure on the surfaces the mounting aid is arranged on which, in turn, keeps the mounting aid in place, i.e. the mounting aid is squeezed between the two surfaces the mounting aid is arranged on, and stabilizes the mounting aid so that the mounting aid thereby can provide support for a cover plate to be mounted to the cabinet.

[0129] The technology disclosed makes it possible for an installer to easily mount a cover plate that covers the space between a cabinet and an overhead or interior wall on his own. The spring-like structure, which is connected or attached to the crossed legs of the mounting aid, causes the mounting aid to be fixed in its position between the cabinet and the overhead or interior wall so that the mounting aid thereby can provide support for a cover plate to be mounted to the cabinet for the purpose of covering a space between the cabinet and the overhead, or interior wall.

[0130] In embodiments, the technology disclosed provides an adjustable mounting aid that comprises a plurality of attachment positions for the elastic connection structure or spring along the longitudinal axis of each of the crossed legs to thereby adjust and adapt the mounting aid to the distance and space between a top surface of a building unit such as a fixed furniture. The elastic connection structure may then be attached to the plurality of attachments position to thereby adjust the counter force that is exerted by the elastic connection structure to the surface of the fixed furniture on which the mounting aid is arranged and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture.

[0131] The mounting aid according to the technology disclosed provides support for a cover plate that can be easily mounted by a user on his / her own. The mounted aid is easily placed in the right place, e.g. on top of a cabinet, in the toe kick space between cabinet and the floor or on a side wall of a cabinet, i.e. the installer does not have to perform careful measurements for the positioning of the mounting aid on the surface of the cabinet.

[0132] In embodiments, the mounting aid comprises a rigid structure, or substantially rigid structure, for maintaining a predetermined distance between the mounting aid and an edge or front surface of a fixed furniture such as a cabinet to which the mounting aid is to be mounted. The predetermined distance may then be adapted to substantially correspond to the thickness of the cover plate to be mounted to the fixed furniture. The substantially rigid structure may be an integral part of the mounting aid or may be a separate structure that may be easily attached to the mounting aid, e.g. the substantially rigid structure and the end structure of the mounting aid may be configured so that the substantially rigid structure may be attached to the mounting aid at a plurality of attachment positions located at different distances relative the edge of a front surface of a fixed furniture to thereby define a plurality of predetermined distances each corresponding to a thickness of the cover plate to be mounted to the fixed furniture. The substantially rigid structure of the mounting aid simplifies the mounting of the cover plate to a fixed furniture and alleviates the positioning of the mounting aid relative the front surface of the fixed furniture, e.g. the surface of a door of the fixed furniture, so that the mounting aid is arranged at a distance that corresponds to the thickness of the cover plate, thereby the cover plate thereby may form a substantially flush surface with the front surface of the fixed furniture.

[0133] In certain example embodiments, an end portion of the substantially rigid structure is curved substantially 90 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis of the substantially rigid structure and thereby configured to be arranged and inserted from above, below or sideways in / into the gap between the door of the fixed furniture and the base / body structure of the fixed furniture such as a cabinet on / to which the mounting aid is arranged to thereby maintain a predetermined distance corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate so that the cover plate forms a substantially flush surface with the front surface of the fixed furniture the mounting aid is mounted on / to. The substantially rigid structure may be made of a metallic material or a bendable rubber material configured to maintain the predetermined distance. The substantially rigid structure may be an integral part of the mounting aid or may be a separate structure that may be easily attached to the mounting aid, e.g. the substantially rigid structure and the end structure of the mounting aid may be configured so that the substantially rigid structure may be attached to the mounting aid at a plurality of attachment positions located at different distances relative the edge of the front surface of a fixed furniture to thereby define a plurality of predetermined distances corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate to be mounted to the fixed furniture.

[0134] In certain example embodiments, the substantially rigid structure comprises a projecting piece, or sub-structure, projecting from the body portion of the substantially rigid structure at substantially 90 degrees relative the longitudinal axis of the body portion of the substantially rigid structure and configured to be arranged and inserted from above, below or sideways in / into a gap between the door of the fixed furniture and the base structure of the fixed furniture such as a cabinet on / to which the mounting aid is arranged to thereby maintain a predetermined distance corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate so that the cover plate forms a substantially flush surface with the front surface (typically the door surface) of the fixed furniture the mounting aid is mounted on / to. The substantially rigid structure may be made of a metallic material or a bendable rubber material that is still configured to maintain the predetermined distance. The substantially rigid structure may then be an integral part of the mounting aid or may be a separate structure that may be easily attached to the mounting aid, e.g. the substantially rigid structure and the end structure of the mounting aid may be configured so that the substantially rigid structure may be attached to the mounting aid at a plurality of attachment positions relative the edge of a front surface of a fixed furniture to thereby define a plurality of predetermined distances corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate to be mounted to the fixed furniture.

[0135] In other example embodiments, the end portion of the substantially rigid structure may then be curved substantially 90 degrees relative the longitudinal axis of the body portion of the substantially rigid structure and thereby configured to be arranged around the edge of the door of a fixed furniture such as a cabinet on which the mounting aid is arranged to thereby maintain a predetermined distance corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate so that the cover plate forms a substantially flush surface with the front surface (typically the door surface) of the fixed furniture the mounting aid is mounted on / to. The substantially rigid structure may be made of a metallic material or a bendable rubber material that is still configured to maintain the predetermined distance. The substantially rigid structure may then be an integral part of the mounting aid or may be a separate structure that may be easily attached to the mounting aid, e.g. the substantially rigid structure and the end structure of the mounting aid may be configured so that the substantially rigid structure may be attached to the mounting aid at a plurality of relative positions to thereby define a plurality of predetermined distances corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate to be mounted to the fixed furniture.

[0136] In embodiments and when placed on top of a cabinet, the lower feet, or stabilizing structure, may itself comprise spacers, or a substantially rigid structure, for different placements of the mounting aid relative an edge of a front surface of a fixed furniture. In various embodiments, the mounting aid may cover most heights / distance between the top of the cabinet top and the inner ceiling, e.g. the same mounting aid may be used for distances between the cabinet top and the inner ceiling from 70mm to 350 mm. However, it may be possible to adapt the length of the crossed legs to larger distances / heights between the top of the cabinet and the inner ceiling.

[0137] The mounting aid comprises elastic connection means, e.g. in the form of a spring, whose length may be adjusted by mechanically connecting the first leg with the second leg at a distance from the pivot axis of the pivotal connection structure. The elastic connection structure, e.g. spring, that is attached to and extends between the crossed legs provides for a solution where the mounting aid is unfolded to the highest possible dimensions / distances and provides for a solutions that where pressure is applied against the inner ceiling and the top of the cabinet all the time with the help of the spring, which makes it easier for the fitter to place or position the mounting aid on top of the cabinet and attached it to the inner ceiling.

[0138] The elastic connection means or spring may be mechanically connected / attached to both to a first position on the first leg and a second position on the second leg. The elastic connection means may then typically be a spring or may comprise at least one spring. Typically, both the first position where the spring is connected or attached to the first leg, e.g. hooked by means of a spring hook of a spring, and the second position where the spring is connected to, or attached to, the second leg are at a distance longer than 5%, typically longer than 10%, of the total length of the respective leg from the pivot axis of the pivotal connection structure. The end portions of the elastic connection means, e.g. in the form of two hooks constituting the respective end portion of a spring, may then be connected to (e.g. engaged with or attached to) the first leg and the second leg, respectively, where the engagement / attachment position on the first leg and the engagement / attachment position on the second leg both are at a distance from the pivot axis of the pivotal connection structure that is longer than 5%, typically longer than 10%, of the total length of the respective leg. In certain embodiments, the elastic connection structure is a spring comprising two hooks (one hook at each end portion of the spring) and the two crossed bars acting as a first and second leg each comprises at least one hook hole where the respective hook may be engaged / attached.

[0139] When placed on top of a cabinet, the mounting aid according to example embodiments of the technology disclosed may be configured so that the elastic connection structure is mechanically connected to a first position on the first leg and a second position on the second leg so that the elastic connection structure thereby extends in a substantially horizontal direction when the mounting aid is placed on a flat surface having a normal axis parallel to the direction of gravity. The mounting aid is then configured so that the elastic connection structure exerts a counter force that is converted via the pivot axis of the pivotal connection structure into both an upward force and a downward force when the legs are pulled apart.

[0140] The mounting aid may be configured so that the elastic connection structure is configured to exert a counter force that is converted via the pivot axis of the pivotal connection structure into upward and downward forces, or a sideway / sideward force, so that the upper ends of the first and second leg exert a force against the overhead, or side wall, and the lower ends of the first and second leg exert a force onto the top or the side of the cabinet when the mounting aid is arranged between the top, below or the side of the cabinet and the overhead, floor or side wall, by pulling the first and second legs apart.

[0141] In aspects, the technology disclosed relates to a mounting aid for providing support when mounting a cover plate to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet, the mounting aid comprises:

[0142] - a plurality of legs and a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis, wherein the plurality of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure,

[0143] - a spring arranged in the mounting aid and configured to exert a counter force when extended or compressed from its relaxed state by the rotational movement of at least one of the first leg and the second leg around the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure,

[0144] - a first support structure that is part of or connected to an end portion of the first leg, and

[0145] - a second support structure that is part of or connected to an end portion of the second leg, wherein each of the first support structure and the second support structure is configured to stabilize the mounting aid and provide support for a cover plate when the mounting aid is arranged between and in contact with two substantially flat surfaces. Each of the first support structure and the second support structure may then be rotatably and / or releasably connected to the end portion of their respective leg.

[0146] In embodiments, each of the first support structure and the second support structure is connected to the end portion of their respective leg via a click-in connection.

[0147] At least one of the first support structure and the second support structure may be releasably connected to the end portion of their respective leg via a click-in and click-out connection. For example, at least one of the first and second support structure may be releasably connected via a click-in and click-out connection to at least one of a sub-structure and a hole structure on the end portion of their respective leg, or at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure comprises a hole structure configured to be releasably connected via a dick-in and click-out connection to a sub-structure on the end portion of their respective leg.

[0148] In embodiments, at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure includes a Velcro material section configured to be connected to a corresponding Velcro material section on a cover plate so that the cover plate thereby is secured to the mounting aid.

[0149] The surface of at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure that is arranged and configured to be in direct physical contact with a substantially flat surface of a fixed furniture may comprise an elongated protrusion adapted to run in a groove provided on the substantially flat surface of a fixed furniture.

[0150] In embodiments, the spring may be arranged in the pivot connection structure so that, when two legs rotatably connected to the pivot connection structure are pulled apart.

[0151] In embodiments of the technology disclosed, the mounting aid is a V- or A-shaped structure comprising a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via a pivot connection structure. The spring may then be part of or arranged in the pivot connection structure and configured to exert a counter force when the first and second legs are rotatably pulled apart.

[0152] In embodiments, the mounting aid is a X-shaped structure where the first leg and the second leg is a pair of crossed legs rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure. The spring may then be an elongated spring attached to both the first leg and the second leg and extending between the first leg and the second leg. The at least one of the first leg and the second leg may then comprise a plurality of attachment positions along the longitudinal axis of the leg for attaching the elastic connection structure to the leg at a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis of the leg.

[0153] The first and second support structures are typically arranged in the same direction and configured to be facing and in contact with the same substantially flat surface.

[0154] The pivot connection structure may be arranged to be facing and in contact with a substantially flat surface in an opposite direction to the direction of the first and second support structures and configured to stabilize the mounting aid and further to provide mechanical support for a cover plate when the mounting aid is arranged between and in contact with two substantially flat surfaces.

[0155] In aspects, the technology disclosed relates to a method for mounting a cover plate to a fixed furniture, the method comprising:

[0156] - providing a mounting aid having a plurality of legs and a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis, wherein the plurality of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure, a spring having a relaxed state arranged and configured to exert a counter force when extended or compressed from its relaxed state by the rotational movement of at least one of the first leg and the second leg around the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure,

[0157] - pulling the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart to thereby extend the spring from its relaxed state so that the spring exerts a counter force, and

[0158] - arranging the mounting aid, with the rotatably connected first leg and second leg pulled apart and the spring extended from its relaxed state, between a fixed surface of the fixed furniture and a fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture so that the mounting aid is in contact with both surfaces and the spring exerts a force onto both the fixed surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture.

[0159] In embodiments, the mounting aid comprises a first support structure rotatably connected to an end portion of the first leg and a second support structure rotatably connected to an end portion of the second leg, and the method further comprises:

[0160] - arranging the mounting aid so that the first and second support structures are both in contact with one of the fixed surfaces, and

[0161] - mounting the cover plate to the fixed furniture so that the cover plate is supported by the first support structure and the second support structure of the mounting aid arranged between the surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture.

[0162] In embodiments, wherein at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure includes a section with a Velcro material, and the method further comprise:

[0163] - connecting the Velcro material section of at least one of the first and second support structure to a corresponding Velcro material section of the cover plate so that the cover plate is connected to the mounting aid.

[0164] The method may further comprise the following step prior to pulling the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart: - releasably connecting the first support structure to an end portion of the first leg and the second support structure to an end portion of the second leg so that the first and second leg are releasably connected to the end portion of their respective leg.

[0165] The method may further comprise the following step after said step of arranging the mounting aid between the fixed surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface:

[0166] - disconnecting the first support structure from the end portion of the first leg and disconnecting the second support structure from the end portion of the second leg.

[0167] In aspects, the technology disclosed relates to a support structure for a mounting aid configured to be connected to an end portion of a leg of the mounting aid. The support structure may then be configured to be releasably and rotatably connected to an end portion of a leg of the mounting aid via a dick-in and click-out connection. The support structure may further comprise a sub-structure configured to be releasably and rotatably connected via a click-in and dick-out connection to at least one of a sub-structure and a hole structure on an end portion of a leg of a mounting aid.

[0168] In other embodiments, the support structure comprises a hole structure configured to be releasably connected via a dick-in and click-out connection to at least one of a sub-structure and a hole structure on an end portion of a leg of a mounting aid.

[0169] In embodiments, the support structure comprises a Velcro material section configured to be connected to a corresponding Velcro material section on a cover plate. The support structure may then comprise a first substantially flat surface configured to be arranged on a substantially flat surface to stabilize the mounting aid and a second substantially flat surface comprising the Velcro material section.

[0170] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of a mounting aid 100 according to the technology disclosed. The mounting aid 100 in Fig. 1 comprises a pair of crossed legs 101 , 102 in the form of a first leg 101 and a second leg 102 connected via a pivot connection structure 103 configured to provide for a pivotal movement of each of the crossed legs about a pivot axis 104. The first leg 101 and the second leg 102 are rotatably connected via the pivot axis 104 of the pivot connection structure 103.

[0171] Each of the first leg 101 and the second leg 102 of the mounting aid 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises a plurality of holes 105, 106 along their respective longitudinal axis. The mounting aid 101 in Fig. 1 comprises an elastic connection structure 107 in the form of a spring that is attached to the first leg 101 via one of the plurality of holes 105 of the first leg 101 and to the second leg 102 via one of the plurality of holes 106 of the second leg 102. Each end portion of the first leg 101 and the second leg 102 of the mounting aid 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 further comprises a foot structure 108, 118, 128, 138, 148 comprising a substantially flat surface adapted to be arranged on a flat surface of a fixed furniture.

[0172] The mounting aid schematically illustrated in Fig. 1 further comprises a substantially rigid structure 109 configured to maintain a predetermined distance between the mounting aid and an edge of a fixed furniture such as a cabinet to which the mounting aid is to be mounted.

[0173] Fig. 2 is schematically illustrating a front view of an example embodiment of a mounting aid 100 essentially corresponding to the mounting aid of Fig. 1 . However, in Fig. 2, the spring is attached to one hole of a plurality of holes 105, 106 each of the first leg 101 and the second leg 102 at a respective distance that is closer to the pivot axis 104 of the pivot connection structure 103 than the spring 107 illustrated in Fig. 1 .

[0174] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of a mounting aid 100 according to the technology disclosed. The mounting aid 100 illustrated in Fig. 3 comprises a pair of crossed legs 101 , 102 in the form of a first leg 101 and a second leg 102 connected via a pivot connection structure 103 configured to provide for a pivotal movement of each of the crossed legs about a pivot axis 104. The first leg 101 and the second leg 102 in Fig. 3 are rotatably connected via the pivot axis 104 of the pivot connection structure 103.

[0175] Each of the first leg 101 and the second leg 102 of the mounting aid 100 illustrated in Fig. 3 comprises a plurality of holes 105, 106 along their respective longitudinal axis. The mounting aid 100 in Fig. 3 comprises an elastic connection structure 107 in the form of a spring that is attached to the first leg 101 via one of the plurality of holes 105 of the first leg 101 and to the second leg 102 via one of the plurality of holes 106 of the second leg 102.

[0176] Each end portion of the first leg 101 and the second leg 102 of the mounting aid 100 illustrated in Fig. 3 further comprises a foot structure 108, 118, 128, 138, 148 comprising a substantially flat surface adapted to be arranged on a flat surface of a fixed furniture or a flat surface opposite to a flat surface of a fixed furniture.

[0177] The mounting aid schematically illustrated in Fig. 3 further comprises a substantially rigid structure 109 configured to maintain a predetermined distance between the mounting aid and an edge or front / door surface of a fixed furniture such as a cabinet to which the mounting aid is to be mounted. The substantially rigid structure of the mounting aid illustrated in Fig. 3 comprises a sub-structure 110 adapted to be inserted into a gap between a door of a fixed furniture and the basic / body structure of the fixed furniture to thereby be configured to provide support for a cover plate and maintain a predetermined distance between the mounting aid and an edge or front / door surface of a fixed furniture to which the cover plate is to be mounted.

[0178] Fig. 4 is schematically illustrating a side view of an example embodiment of a mounting aid 100 essentially corresponding to the mounting aid 100 of Fig. 3. However, in Fig. 4, the spring 107 is attached to each of the first leg 101 and the second leg 102 via one of the plurality of holes 105, 106 of the respective leg 101 , 102 at a distance to the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure that is closer than the distance to pivot axis for the spring 107 illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0179] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a V-shaped, or A-shaped, mounting aid 100 according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed. The mounting aid 100 in Fig. 5 is arranged between a cabinet 200 and an inner ceiling 300. The mounting aid 100 in Fig. 5 comprises a first leg 101 and a second leg 102. The mounting aid 100 further comprises a pivot connection structure 103 with a pivot axis 104. The first leg 101 and the second leg 102 are rotatably connected via the pivot axis 104 of the pivot connection structure 103. In this example embodiment of a mounting aid 100, a spring 107 is attached to both the first leg 101 and the second leg 102. The spring 107 is extending between the first leg 101 and the second leg 102.

[0180] The mounting aid 100 in Fig. 5 further comprises a first support structure 108 that is rotatably connected to an end portion of the first leg 101 and a second support structure 1 18 that is rotatably connected to an end portion of the second leg 102. The first support structure 108 and the second support structure 1 18 are arranged on and in contact with top surface of the cabinet 200. The first support structure 108 and the second support structure 1 18 are configured to stabilize the mounting aid 100 and provide support for a cover plate when the mounting aid is in contact with both the top surface of the cabinet 200 and the surface of the inner ceiling 300.

[0181] The mounting aid 100 in Fig. 5 is V-shaped, or A-shaped, and the pivot connection structure 103 in Fig. 5 also forms a third support structure 148 of the mounting aid 100 that is rotatably connected about the same pivot axis that is rotatably connecting the first leg 101 and the second leg 102. The third support structure 148 of the pivot connection structure 103 in Fig. 5 is configured to stabilize the mounting aid 100 and provide support for a cover plate when the mounting aid is in contact with both the top surface of the cabinet 200 and the surface of the inner ceiling 300.

[0182] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a mounting aid according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed. The mounting aid in Fig. 6 comprises a first leg and a second leg. The mounting aid further comprises a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis. The first and second legs are rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure. In this example embodiment of a mounting aid, a spring is attached to both the first and the second leg. The spring is extending between the first leg and second leg. The mounting aid 100 in Fig. 6 providing support for a cover plate 400.

[0183] The mounting aid in Fig. 6 further comprises a first support structure 108 that is rotatably connected to an end portion of the first leg 101 , a second support structure 1 18 that is rotatably connected to an end portion of the second leg 102. The mounting aid 100 in Fig. 6 is V-shaped, or A-shaped. In addition to the first support structure 108 and the second support structure 1 18, the pivot connection structure 103 in Fig. 6 also comprises a third support structure 148 that is an integral part of the pivot connection structure 103 and that is rotatably connected about the same pivot axis 104 that is rotatably connecting the first leg 101 and the second leg 102. The third support structure 148 in Fig. 6 is configured to stabilize the mounting aid 100 and provide support for the cover plate 400 when the mounting aid 100 is in contact with two opposing surfaces (not shown).

[0184] In the example embodiments of a mounting aid illustrated in Fig. 6, the first support structure 108, the second support structure 118 and the third support structure 148 are all rotatably connected and all of them provide support for the cover plate 400.

[0185] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a support structure 108 according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed. The support structure 108 in Fig. 7 comprises a sub-structure 111 configured to be rotatably and releasably connected via a click-in and click-out connection to a hole structure on the end portion of a leg of a mounting aid.

[0186] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a support structure 108 according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed. The support structure 108 in Fig. 8 comprises a sub-structure 111 configured to be rotatably and releasably connected via a click-in and click-out connection to a hole structure on the end portion of a leg of a mounting aid.

[0187] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the support structure 108 in Fig. 8 when the support structure is rotatably and releasably connected to a leg 101 of a mounting aid according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed. The support structure 108 in Fig. 8 comprises a sub-structure 111 that is rotatably and releasably connected via a click-in and dick-out connection to a hole structure 112 on the end portion of a leg 101 of a mounting aid (only the end of a leg of the mounting aid is shown in Fig. 9).

[0188] Fig. 10 is a flow-chart illustrating steps of a method 900 according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed.

[0189] The example method 900 in Fig. 10 is a method for providing support when mounting a cover plate to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet by means of any of the embodiments of a mounting aid 100 described above, including the embodiments of a mounting aid 100 described in relation to Figs. 1 to 6, is illustrated in Fig. 10. The method 900 in Fig. 10 comprises the following actions / steps:

[0190] 910: Providing a mounting aid having a plurality of legs and a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis, wherein the plurality of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure, a spring having a relaxed state arranged and configured to exert a counter force when extended from its relaxed state by the rotational movement of at least one of the first leg and the second leg around the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure;

[0191] 920: Pulling the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart to thereby extend the spring from its relaxed state so that the spring exerts a counter force; and

[0192] 930: Arranging the mounting aid, with the rotatably connected first leg and second leg pulled apart and the spring extended from its relaxed state, between a fixed surface of the fixed furniture and a fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture so that the mounting aid is in contact with both surfaces and the spring exerts a force onto both the fixed surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture.

[0193] The step of arranging the mounting aid 100 in the method 900 illustrated in Fig. 9 may further comprise releasing the pulling of the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart with the mounting aid in contact with both the surface of a fixed furniture and the surface opposite to the surface of the fixed furniture, thereby the spring is exerting a counter force converted via the pivotal connection structure into mechanical force applied to both the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture.

[0194] The step of arranging the mounting aid 100 in the method 900 illustrated in Fig. 10 may further comprise arranging the mounting aid so that the first and second support structures are both in contact with one of the fixed surfaces, and mounting the cover plate to the fixed furniture so that the cover plate is supported by the first support structure and the second support structure of the mounting aid arranged between the surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture.

[0195] The step of arranging the mounting aid 100 in the flow-chart illustrated in Fig. 10 may further comprise connecting the Velcro material section of at least one of the first and second support structure to a corresponding Velcro material section of the cover plate so that the cover plate is connected to the mounting aid.

[0196] The method illustrated in the flow-chart of Fig. 10 may further comprise the step of mounting the cover plate to the fixed furniture when the mounting aid 100 is arranged between and in contact with both the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture.

[0197] The method illustrated in the flow-chart of Fig. 10 may further comprise mounting the cover plate to the fixed furniture so that the cover plate is supported by the mounting aid 100 arranged between the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture.

[0198] The mounting aid 100 may further comprise a substantially rigid structure 109 adapted for maintaining a predetermined distance between the mounting aid 100 and an edge of a front surface, e.g. door, of the fixed furniture. The method 900 illustrated in Fig. 9 may then comprise arranging the mounting aid 100 at a predetermined distance from an edge of the front surface of the fixed furniture, where the predetermined distance is determined by the substantially rigid structure 109 of the mounting aid 100 and is corresponding substantially to the thickness of the cover plate be mounted to the fixed furniture.

[0199] The step of arranging the mounting aid 100 in the method illustrated in the flow-chart of Fig. 10 may further comprise arranging an end portion of the substantially rigid structure 109 of the mounting aid 100 around the edge of the cabinet on which surface the mounting aid 100 is arranged so that the mounting aid 100 thereby is arranged at a predetermined distance from the edge of a front surface, e.g. door surface, of the fixed furniture determined by the substantially rigid structure and corresponding substantially to the thickness of the cover plate to be mounted to the fixed furniture so that the cover plate, following the mounting of the mounting aid 100, forms a substantially flush surface with the front surface of the fixed furniture the mounting aid 100 is mounted to. The step of arranging the mounting aid 100 in the method illustrated in the flow-chart of Fig. 10 may further comprise arranging the end portion of the substantially rigid structure 109 that is curved substantially 90 degrees so that the curved end portion is inserted in / into the gap between the door of the fixed furniture and the base structure of the fixed furniture on / to which the mounting aid 100 is arranged to thereby maintain a predetermined distance between the position / placement of the mounting aid 100 and the front surface of the fixed furniture that is substantially corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate so that the cover plate will form a substantially flush surface with the front surface of the fixed furniture the mounting aid 100 is mounted on / to.

[0200] The step of arranging the mounting aid 100 in the flow-chart illustrated in Fig. 10 may further comprise arranging a projecting piece 110, or sub-structure, of the substantially rigid structure 109 that is projecting out from the body portion of the substantially rigid structure 109 at substantially 90 degrees relative the longitudinal axis of the body portion of the substantially rigid structure 109 so that the sub-structure 110 is inserted in / into a gap between the door of the fixed furniture and the base structure of the fixed furniture such as a cabinet on / to which the mounting aid 100 is arranged to thereby maintain a predetermined distance between the position / placement of the mounting aid 100 and the front surface of the fixed furniture that is substantially corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate so that the cover plate forms a substantially flush surface with the front surface (typically the door surface) of the fixed furniture the mounting aid 100 is mounted on / to.

[0201] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1 . A mounting aid for providing support when mounting a cover plate to a fixed furniture such as a cabinet, the mounting aid comprises:- a plurality of legs and a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis, wherein the plurality of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure,- a spring arranged in the mounting aid and configured to exert a counter force when extended or compressed from its relaxed state by the rotational movement of at least one of the first leg and the second leg around the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure,- a first support structure that is part of or connected to an end portion of the first leg, and- a second support structure that is part of or connected to an end portion of the second leg, wherein each of the first support structure and the second support structure is configured to stabilize the mounting aid and provide support for a cover plate when the mounting aid is arranged between and in contact with two substantially flat surfaces.

2. The mounting aid according to claim 1 , wherein each of the first support structure and the second support structure is rotatably connected to the end portion of their respective leg.

3. The mounting aid according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein each of the first support structure and the second support structure is releasably connected to the end portion of their respective leg.

4. The mounting aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first support structure and the second support structure is connected to the end portion of their respective leg via a click-in connection.

5. The mounting aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first support structure and the second support structure is releasably connected to the end portion of their respective leg via a dick-in and click-out connection.

6. The mounting aid of claim 5, wherein at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure comprises a sub-structure configured to be releasably connected via a dick-in and click-out connection to at least one of a sub-structure and a hole structure on the end portion of their respective leg.

7. The mounting aid of any of claims 5 and 6, wherein at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure comprises a hole structure configured to be releasably connected via a click-in and click-out connection to a sub-structure on the end portion of their respective leg.

8. The mounting aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure includes a Velcro material section configured to be connected to a corresponding Velcro material section on a cover plate so that the cover plate thereby is secured, or temporarily secured, to the mounting aid.

9. The mounting aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second support structure comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to each other, said first portion comprises a first surface portion configured to stabilize the support structure when the support structure is arranged on a substantially flat surface and said second portion comprises a second surface portion configured to provide support for a flat cover plate.

10. The mounting aid according to claim 9, wherein said first surface portion and said second surface portion are extending mutually in different directions at an angle within the range of 80 to 100 degrees.1 1. The mounting aid according to any of claims 9 and 10, wherein the second surface portion is provided with a Velcro material section configured to be connected to a corresponding Velcro material section of a cover plate.

12. The mounting aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure that is configured to be in direct physical contact with a substantially flat surface comprises an elongated protrusion adapted to run in a groove provided on the substantially flat surface.

13. The mounting aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spring is arranged in the pivot connection structure.

14. The mounting aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spring is an elongated spring attached to both the first leg and the second leg and extending between the first leg and the second leg.

15. The mounting aid according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the first leg and the second leg comprises a plurality of attachment positions along the longitudinal axis of the leg for attaching the spring to the leg at a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis of the leg.

16. The mounting aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg and the second leg is a pair of crossed legs rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure.

17. The mounting aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second support structures are arranged in the same direction and configured to be facing and in contact with the same substantially flat surface.

18. The mounting aid according to claim 17, wherein the pivot connection structure is arranged to be facing and in contact with a substantially flat surface in an opposite direction to the direction of the first and second support structures and configured to stabilize the mounting aid and further to provide mechanical support for a cover plate when the mounting aid is arranged between and in contact with two substantially flat surfaces.

19. The mounting aid according to any of claims 17 and 18, wherein said mounting aid consists of a first leg and a second leg and is V- or A-shaped.

20. A method for mounting a cover plate to a fixed furniture, the method comprising:- providing a mounting aid having a plurality of legs and a pivot connection structure with a pivot axis, wherein the plurality of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected via the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure, a spring having a relaxed state arranged and configured to exert a counter force when extended from its relaxed state by the rotational movement of at least one of the first leg and the second leg around the pivot axis of the pivot connection structure,- pulling the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart to thereby extend the spring from its relaxed state so that the spring exerts a counter force, and- arranging the mounting aid, with the rotatably connected first leg and second leg pulled apart and the spring extended from its relaxed state, between a fixed surface of the fixed furniture and a fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture so that the mounting aid is in contact with both surfaces and the spring exerts a force onto both the fixed surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture.

21. The method according to claim 20, the method further comprising:- releasing the pulling of the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart with the mounting aid in contact with both the surface of a fixed furniture and the surface opposite to the surface of the fixed furniture, thereby the spring is exerting a counter force converted via the pivotal connection structure into mechanical force applied to both the surface of the fixed furniture and the opposite surface to the surface of the fixed furniture.

22. The method according to any of claims 20 and 21 , wherein the mounting aid comprises a first support structure rotatably connected to an end portion of the first leg and a second support structure rotatably connected to an end portion of the second leg, the method further comprising:- arranging the mounting aid so that the first and second support structures are both in contact with one of the fixed surfaces, and- mounting the cover plate to the fixed furniture so that the cover plate is supported by the first support structure and the second support structure of the mounting aid arranged between the surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface of the fixed furniture.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure includes a section with a Velcro material, the method further comprising:- connecting the Velcro material section of at least one of the first and second support structure to a corresponding Velcro material section of the cover plate so that the cover plate is connected to the mounting aid.

24. The method according to any of claims 22 and 23, the method further comprising the following step prior to pulling the rotatably connected first leg and second leg apart:- releasably connecting the first support structure to an end portion of the first leg and the second support structure to an end portion of the second leg so that the first and second leg are releasably connected to the end portion of their respective leg.

25. The method according to claim 24, the method further comprising the following step after said step of arranging the mounting aid between the fixed surface of the fixed furniture and the fixed surface opposite to the fixed surface:- disconnecting the first support structure from the end portion of the first leg and disconnecting the second support structure from the end portion of the second leg.

26. A support structure configured to provide support for a cover plate, wherein the support structure comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to each other, said first portion comprises a first surface portion configured to stabilize the support structure when the support structure is arranged on a substantially flat surface and said second portion comprises a second surface portion configured to provide support for a flat cover plate.

27. The support structure according to claim 26, wherein said first surface portion and said second surface portion are extending mutually in different directions at an angle within the range of 80 to 100 degrees.

28. The support structure according to any of claims 26 and 27, wherein the second surface portion is provided with a Velcro material section configured to be connected to a corresponding Velcro material section of a cover plate.

29. The support structure according to any of claims 20 to 28, wherein said support structure is configured to be releasably and rotatably connected to an end portion of a leg of the mounting aid via a click-in and dick-out connection.

30. The support structure according to claim 29, wherein said support structure comprises a sub-structure configured to be releasably and rotatably connected via a click-in and dick-out connection to at least one of a sub-structure and a hole structure on an end portion of a leg of a mounting aid.

31. The support structure according to any of claims 29 and 30, wherein said support structure comprises a hole structure configured to be releasably connected via a click-in and dick-out connection to at least one of a sub-structure and a hole structure on an end portion of a leg of a mounting aid.

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