FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a base member for supporting a shelf and forming a joint in the shelf comprising at least one bottom plate and at last two side walls, and more particularly to a base member according to preamble of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a shelf system comprising two or more vertical side walls and at least one horizontal bottom plate, and more particularly to a shelf system according to preamble of claim 9.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional shelfs, such as book shelfs, are composed of a horizontal bottom plate, two or more side walls extending in vertical direction and a horizontal top plate. The side walls are attached on the top surface of the bottom plate with screws, flanges, angle irons or special fasteners such that the bottom end face of the side wall is on the top surface of the bottom plate. The top plate is attached similarly such that the bottom surface of the top plate is against the top end face side walls. Further one or more shelf plates are arranged between two side wall and between the top and bottom plates. The shelf plates are supported to the side walls with two or more detachable shelf supports such that the position of the shelf plates may be changed.

One of the disadvantages associated with the prior art shelfs is assembly of the shelfs comprising several separate pars is complex. The assembly of the prior art shelfs comprises several assembly steps and requires use of different kinds of tools and a number small fasteners. Assembling of prior art shelf cannot be done by one person but needs at least two persons which is a substantial disadvantage. Furthermore, the prior art shelfs very difficult or close to impossible to disassemble and to assemble again.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide base member and shelf system so as to solve or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages. The objects of the invention are achieved by a base member and a shelf system which are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims 1 and 9.

The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing base member for supporting a shelf and forming a joint in the shelf comprising at least one bottom plate and at last two side walls. The base member comprises a base plate having top surface and a bottom surface. The base member also comprises at least one connection part arranged to form a bottom joint between the base plate and a bottom plate of the shelf, the at least one connection part being provided on the top surface of the base plate. The base member further comprises at least one standing support provided to the top surface 32 and arranged to form a side wall joint between the base plate 31 and the side wall 60. The at least one standing support may be base protrusion arranged to protrude from the top surface of the base plate and to form the side wall joint between the base plate and a side wall, or a support aperture provided to the top surface of the base plate and arranged to extend into the base plate for forming the side wall joint between the base plate and a side wall. Accordingly, the at least one connection part is arranged to connect the horizontal bottom plate to the base member and the standing support is arranged to support the vertical side wall in an upright position to the base member. Therefore, the horizontal bottom plate and the vertical side wall are connected and joined together via the base member. Further, the at least one connection part and the at least one standing support may place and hold the horizontal bottom plate and the vertical side wall in place during the assembly.

The top surface of the base plate has length direction and a width direction. In one embodiment of the present invention the at least one connection part and the standing support are spaced apart from each other on the top surface in the width direction of the top surface. This means that the at least one connection part and the standing support are not in same line in the length direction of the top surface. In one embodiment, the at least one connection part and the standing support are spaced apart from each other on the top surface in the length direction of the top surface. This means that the at least one connection part and the standing support are not in same line in the width direction of the top surface. In a still another embodiment, the at least one connection part and the standing support are spaced apart from each other on the top surface in the width and length direction of the top surface. This means that the at least one connection part and the standing support are not in same line in the length and width direction of the top surface. Placing the standing support and the at least one connection part on the top surface of the base plate as mentioned above, enables supporting both the horizontal bottom plate and the vertical side wall directly against the top surface of the base plate.

In one embodiment of the base plate, the top surface may have a side wall support line extending in the length direction of the top surface and the at least one standing support being arranged on the side wall support line. The top surface may further have a first edge portion provided spaced apart from the side wall support line in the width direction of the top surface and extending in the length direction of the top surface. The first edge portion comprising the at least one first connection part. Accordingly, the horizontal bottom plate may be connected to the first edge portion of the base plate and the vertical side wall may be supported to the standing support along the side wall support line spaced apart or adjacent to the first edge portion.

In an alternative embodiment, the top surface may have a first edge portion provided spaced apart from the side wall support line in width direction of the top surface and extending in the length direction of the top surface. The first edge portion comprises at least one first connection part. Furthermore, the top surface may have a second edge portion extending in the length direction of the base plate and the side wall support line is provided to the second edge portion. Accordingly, one horizontal bottom plate may be connected to the first edge portion of the base plate and one vertical side wall may be connected to the second end portion. Thus, the base member may be an end base plate at one end of the shelf.

In a further alterative embodiment, the top surface may have a first edge portion provided spaced apart from the side wall support line in width direction of the top surface and extending in the length direction of the top surface. The first edge portion comprises at least one first connection part. Furthermore, the top surface of the base plate may have a second edge portion provided spaced apart from the side wall support line in width direction of the top surface and extending in the length direction of the top surface. The second edge portion comprising at least one second connection part. In this embodiment, the first and second edges portions are provided in the width direction of the top surface on opposite sides of the side wall support line such that the side wall support line extends between the first and second edge portions. Accordingly, one horizontal bottom plate may be connected to the first edge portion of the base plate and another horizontal bottom plate may be connected to the second edge portion. Further, one vertical side wall may be connected to the base plate and the standing support between the first and second edge portion. There may be central portion between the first and second edge portions. The central portion extending in the length direction of the top surface of the base plate between the first and second edge portions, and the side wall support line is provided on the central portion. Thus, the base member of this embodiment may be a middle base plate between the opposite ends of the shelf.

In one embodiment of the present invention the at least one connection part on the top surface of the base plate is arranged to form a bottom mortise-and- tenon joint between base member and the horizontal bottom plate of the shelf. Thus, at least one connection part may comprise a bottom mortise extending from the top surface of the base plate into the base plate, or a bottom tenon protruding from the top surface of the base plate.

In one embodiment, the at least one standing support may be an integral part of the base plate. This means that the standing support may not be detached from the base plate without breaking the base plate. In an alternative embodiment, the standing support may be a support hole provided on the top surface of the base plate and extending from the top surface into the base plate. A detachable standing tenon may be arranged in the support hole. In still another embodiment, the standing support is a support hole provided on the top surface of the base plate, the support hole extending from the top surface into the base plate for receiving a standing tenon provided to the vertical side wall.

In one embodiment of the present invention the at least one standing support is a base protrusion or bar protruding from the top surface. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one standing support is a plate protruding from the top surface and extending in the length direction of the top surface. The standing support protrudes from the top surface of the base plate or has a height of at least 5 centimetres, preferably at least 10 centimetres. Alternatively, the standing support has a height of at least 5% of the height of the vertical side wall, preferably at least 10% of the height of the vertical side wall. Preferably the height of the standing support is greater than thickness of the bottom plate. The at least one standing support is capable to support and hold the side wall in upright position, when the vertical side wall is placed on the top surface of the base plate such that the at least one standing support is arranged inside at least one support aperture provided on that bottom end face of the vertical side wall.

In one embodiment, the base member may comprise at least one alignment part arranged to form a side wall joint between the base plate and a side wall of the shelf. The at least one alignment part is provided on the top surface of the base plate.

In another embodiment, the base member may comprise comprises at least one alignment part arranged to form the side wall joint between the base plate and the side wall of the shelf. The at least one alignment part is provided on the top surface of the base plate and arranged on the side wall support line.

In a yet alternative embodiment, the base member may comprise at least one alignment part arranged to form a side wall mortise-and-tenon joint between the base plate and the side wall of the shelf. The at least one alignment part is provided on the top surface of the base plate and comprises a side wall mortise extending from the top surface of the base plate into the base plate, or a side wall tenon protruding from the top surface of the base plate.

In a still alternative embodiment of the present invention, the base member may comprise at least one alignment part arranged to form the side wall mortise-and-tenon joint between the base plate and the side wall of the shelf. The at least one alignment part is provided on the top surface of the base plate and on the side wall support line. The at least one alignment part further comprises the side wall mortise extending from the top surface of the base plate into the base plate, or the side wall tenon protruding from the top surface of the base plate.

The at least one alignment part is capable of aligning the vertical side wall on the top surface of the base plate in relation the base member and the bottom plate connected to the base member and connect the vertical side wall to the base member. Furthermore, the at least one alignment part is capable of aligning the vertical side wall on the top surface of the base plate along the side wall support line. The at least one alignment part also gives additional support to hold the vertical side wall in upright position, when the vertical side wall is placed on the top surface of the base plate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the base member may comprise at least two adjustable stabilizers arranged to protrude from the bottom surface of the base plate for adjusting posture of the base member.

In another embodiment, the base member may comprise at least two adjustable stabilizers arranged to protrude from the bottom surface of the base plate for adjusting posture of the base member. The at least two stabilizers are connected adjustably to the base plate with a thread connection.

In an alternative embodiment, at least two adjustable stabilizers may be arranged on the bottom surface of the base plate for adjusting posture of the base member. The at least two stabilizers are connected adjustably to the base plate with the thread connection. The thread connection comprises a female thread provided to the base plate and a thread tap extending from the at least one stabilizer and having a male thread. Alternatively, the thread connection comprises a female thread provided to the at least one stabilizer and a thread tap extending from the bottom surface of the base plate and having a male thread.

The stabilizers enable setting the base member and base plate in exact horizontal direction despite of the variations on the surface on which the shelf is placed. Furthermore, posture of the shelf may thus be adjusted before the assembling the whole shelf.

In a yet alternative embodiment, at least two adjustable stabilizers may be arranged on the bottom surface of the base plate for adjusting posture of the base member. The at least two stabilizers are connected adjustably to the base plate with a thread connection. The thread connection comprises a female thread provided in connection with the at least one alignment part or to the alignment part, and the thread tap extending from the at least one stabilizer and having a male thread. Accordingly, the alignment part may be utilized to form part of the stabilizers making the base member more simple and compact. Furthermore, the thread tap of the stabilizer form part of the alignment part such that it extends through the base plate from the bottom surface to the top surface and protrudes further from the top surface. Thus, it may form at least part of the side wall tenon protruding from the top surface of the base plate.

In another alternative embodiment, at least two adjustable stabilizers are arranged on the bottom surface of the base plate for adjusting posture of the base member. The at least two stabilizers are connected adjustably to the base plate with the thread connection. The thread connection is formed between a thread tap extending from the stabilizer and a counter thread provided in the base plate. In other words, the thread tap extending from the stabilizer is provided for adjusting the stabilizer position relative to the base plate. In this alternative embodiment, the thread tap is also arranged to form the alignment part and no additional alignment part is needed.

The present invention further relates to a shelf system or a shelf. The shelf system comprises two or more vertical side walls. Each vertical side wall comprises a top end and a bottom end, a first side surface extending between the top end and the bottom end, and a second side surface extending between the top end and the bottom end. The shelf system further comprises at least one horizontal bottom plate. The at least one bottom plate comprises an upper surface and an under surface. Two or more vertical side walls are connected to the at least one bottom plate and extend upwards from the at least one bottom plate.

The shelf system further comprises two or more base members for forming a connection between at least two vertical side walls and the at least one horizontal bottom plate. Each base member comprises a base plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one standing support arranged to protrude from the top surface of the base plate. The base members form foundation for the shelf and the vertical side walls and the horizontal bottom plates are supported on the base members. Thus, only the base members may be in contact the surface on which the shelf is placed.

In the shelf system, the horizontal bottom plate is arranged between the two base members and supported from the under surface against top surface of the base plate. The horizontal bottom plate is connected to the base member with a bottom joint provided between the under surface of the horizontal bottom plate and top surface of the base plate. The width of the top surface of the base plate may be preferably smaller than the width of the bottom plate. More preferably the width of the top surface of the base plate may be preferably smaller than the width of the half of the horizontal bottom plate. Accordingly, two adjacent base members and arranged at a distance from each other and the horizontal bottom plate extends between the two adjacent base members.

In the shelf system, the bottom end of the vertical side wall is provided with at least one support aperture extending from the bottom end face of the bottom end towards the top end of the vertical side wall. The side wall is arranged on the base member such that the at least one standing support protrudes from the top surface of the base plate inside the at least one support aperture. Accordingly, the at least one standing support supports and holds the vertical side wall in upright position. The base member thus separately supports the horizontal bottom plate and the vertical bottom plate and further connects the horizontal bottom plate and the vertical bottom plate for forming the shelf.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom joint is a bottom mortise-and-tenon joint between top surface of the base member and the under surface of the horizontal bottom plate. The bottom mortise and tenon joint attaches the horizontal bottom plate to the base member and the adjacent base members are connected to each other via the horizontal bottom plate between them

In one embodiment, the bottom mortise-and-tenon joint comprises at least one bottom mortise provided to the under surface of the horizontal bottom plate and at least one bottom tenon protruding from the top surface of the base plate into the at least one bottom mortise.

In an alternative embodiment, the bottom mortise-and-tenon joint comprises the bottom mortise-and-tenon joint comprises at least one bottom mortise provided to the top surface of the base plate and at least one bottom tenon protruding from the under surface of the horizontal bottom plate into the at least one bottom mortise.

In a yet alternative embodiment, the bottom mortise-and-tenon joint comprises at least one bottom mortise provided to the under surface of the horizontal bottom plate, at least one bottom mortise provided to the top surface of the base plate, and at least one separate bottom tenon protruding between bottom mortises of the bottom plate and the base plate.

The top surface of the base plate has length direction and a width direction. The top surface has a side wall support line extending in the length direction of the top surface. The at least one standing support is arranged on the side wall support line.

In one embodiment, the top surface of the bottom plate has a first edge portion provided spaced apart from the side wall support line in width direction of the top surface and extending in the length direction of the top surface. The first edge portion comprises a first bottom joint.

In another embodiment, the top surface has a first edge portion provided spaced apart from the side wall support line in width direction of the top surface and extending in the length direction of the top surface. The first edge portion comprising the first bottom joint. The top surface has also a second edge portion extending in the length direction of the base plate. The side wall support line is provided to the second edge portion.

In a yet alternative embodiment, the top surface has a first edge portion provided spaced apart from the side wall support line in width direction of the top surface and extending in the length direction of the top surface. The first edge portion comprises a first bottom joint with a first bottom plate. The top surface has further a second edge portion provided spaced apart from the side wall support line in width direction of the top surface and extending in the length direction of the top surface. The first edge portion comprises a second bottom joint with a second bottom plate. The first and second edges portions are provided in the width direction of the top surface on opposite sides of the side wall support line such that the side wall support line extends between the first and second edge portions. This embodiment enables two horizontal bottom plate to be connected on opposite edge portion of the top surface.

In one embodiment, the horizontal bottom plate comprises a first plate end and an opposing second plate end. The under surface of the bottom plate at the first plate end is arranged against the top surface of the base plate on the first edge portion of the top surface. The under surface of the bottom plate at the second plate end is arranged against the top surface of the base plate on the second edge portion of the top surface.

In one embodiment, the bottom end face of the bottom end of the side wall is arranged against the top surface of the base plate such that the at least one standing support protrudes from the top surface of the base plate inside the at least one support aperture. Accordingly, both the vertical side wall and the horizontal bottom wall are supported directly on the top surface of the base plate.

In another embodiment, the bottom end face of the bottom end of the side wall is arranged against the top surface of the base plate on the second edge portion of the top surface of the base plate such that the at least one standing support protrudes from the top surface of the base plate inside the at least one support aperture. Accordingly, in this embodiment the base plate provides a connection and support for one horizontal bottom plate and to one vertical side wall.

In a yet alternative embodiment, the bottom end face of the bottom end of the side wall is arranged against the top surface of the base plate along the side wall support line on the second edge portion of the top surface of the base plate such that the at least one standing support protrudes from the top surface of the base plate inside the at least one support aperture.

In another embodiment, the bottom end face of the bottom end of the side wall is arranged against the top surface of the base plate along the side wall support line between the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the top surface of the base plate such that the at least one standing support protrudes from the top surface of the base plate inside the at least one support aperture. In this embodiment, the vertical side wall is arranged against top surface of the base plate and the between the horizontal bottom plates. The horizontal bottom plates may support the vertical side wall on the top surface of the base plate.

In an alternative embodiment, the bottom end face of the bottom end of the side wall is arranged against the upper surface of the bottom plate such that the at least one standing support protrudes from the top surface of the base plate inside the at least one support aperture. Accordingly, in this embodiment the horizontal bottom plate is supported against the top surface of the base plate and the vertical side wall is supported on the vertical bottom plate.

In one embodiment of the shelf system, the vertical side wall is connected to the base member with a side wall joint provided between bottom end face of the vertical side wall and the base member.

In another embodiment, the vertical side wall is connected to the base member with a side wall joint provided between bottom end face of the vertical side wall and the top surface of the base member on the side wall support line.

In yet another embodiment, the vertical side wall is further connected to the base member with a side wall mortise-and-tenon joint provided between bottom end face of the vertical side wall and the base member on the side wall support line.

In an alternative embodiment, the vertical side wall is connected to the base member with a side wall mortise-and-tenon joint provided between bottom end face of the vertical side wall and the base member on the side wall support line. The side wall mortise-and-tenon joint may comprise at least one side wall mortise provided to the bottom end face and at least one side wall tenon protruding from the top surface of the base plate into the at least one side wall mortise. Alternatively, the side wall mortise-and-tenon joint may comprise at least one side wall mortise provided to the top surface of the base plate and at least one bottom tenon protruding from the bottom end face into the at least one side wall mortise. Yet alternatively, the side wall mortise-and-tenon joint may comprise at least one side wall mortise provided to the bottom end face, at least one side wall mortise provided to the top surface of the base plate, and at least one separate side wall tenon protruding between side wall mortises of the bottom end face and the base plate.

The base member provides a simple connection part for assembling the shelf such that the at least one horizontal bottom plate and the two or more vertical side walls may be supported and connected together. The base member enables assembling the shelf without tools and the shelf is further easy to be disassembled. The standing support and the bottom joints allow the shelf to be assembled by one person, as the standing support holds the vertical side wall in upright position. The shelf system of the present invention is easy to be modified as the dimensions of the shelf may be changed by increasing or decreasing the number of base members in the shelf or the dimensions of the horizontal bottom plates or vertical side walls. This may be achieved, as the same base members may be used for connecting together horizontal bottom plates and vertical side walls having different dimensions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a base member according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a base member according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the base member of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic top view of yet another embodiment of a base member according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of still embodiment of a base member according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of further one embodiment of a base member according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the base member of figure 5;

Figure 8 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a base member according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic end side view of the base member of figure 5 and

7;

Figure 10 is a schematic end side view of an end base member according to the present invention;

Figure 11 is a schematic top view of the base member of figure 10;

Figures 12a and 12b show schematic views of a bottom plate according to the present invention;

Figure 13 shows a schematic end side view a joint between the base member and the bottom plate of figures 12a and 12b;

Figure 14 shows a schematic top view a joint between the base member and the bottom plate of figures 12a and 12b;

Figures 15a and 15b show schematic views of a side wall according to the present invention;

Figure 16 shows a schematic end side view of a joint between the base member and the bottom plate, and between the base member and the side wall;

Figure 17 shows a schematic view of the shelf system according to the present invention is assembled state;

Figure 18 shows schematic view of another bottom plate according to the present invention;

Figure 19 shows a schematic top view a joint between the base member and the bottom plate of figure 18;

Figure 20 shows a schematic end side view of another joint between the base member and the bottom plate, and between the base member and the side wall;

Figure 21 shows a top view of another embodiment of the base member according to the present invention;

Figure 22 shows a side of the base element of figure 21; and Figure 23 shows a side of the view of a vertical side according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of base member 30 according to the present invention for supporting a shelf and forming a joint in the shelf. The base member 30 comprises a base plate 31 having top surface 32 and a bottom surface 33. The bottom surface 33 is normally placed against a floor surface (not shown) or some other surface on which the shelf is placed. The base plate 31 is further provided with at least one connection part 36 arranged to form a bottom joint between the base plate 31 and a horizontal bottom plate of the shelf. The at least one connection part 36 is provided on the top surface 32 of the base plate 31. In the embodiment of figure 1 the at least one connection part 36 is a bottom tenon 36 protruding upwards from the top surface 32. Alternatively, the at least one connection part 36 is a bottom mortise extending from the top surface 32 into the base plate 31.

The base plate 30 further comprises at least one standing support 34 arranged to protrude upwards from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 and to form a side wall joint between the base plate 31 and a side wall 60. In figure 1, the standing support 34 is a base protrusion or a bar protruding from the top surface 32. The standing support 34 is capable to support and hold a vertical side wall of the shelf in upright position, when the vertical side wall is placed on the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 or on the base member 30 such that the standing support 34 is arranged inside a support aperture provided on that bottom end face of the vertical side wall. It should be noted that the standing support may also the support hole formed to the top surface 32, as in figures 21, and 22.

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the base member 30 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the base plate 31 is provided with stabilizers 40 for adjusting the posture of the base member 30. The stabilizers 40 are provided on the bottom surface 33 of the base plate 31. The stabilizers 40 are placed against a floor surface or some other surface on which the shelf is placed. The stabilizers 40 are adjustable in vertical direction such that the horizontal posture of the base plate 31 and the top surface 32may be adjusted. The stabilizers 40 are connected adjustably to the base plate 31 with a thread connection for adjusting the stabilizers 40 in vertical direction.

Figure 3 shows schematic top view of the base member of figure 2. The top surface 32 of the base plate 31 has length direction and a width direction. The top surface 32 further comprises a first top surface end 38 and a second top surface end 39 in the length direction of the top surface 32. The top surface 32 has a side wall support line A-A extending in the length direction of the top surface 32 between the first and second top surface ends 38, 39. The standing support 34 is arranged on the side wall support line A-A. In figure 3, the side wall support line A- A extends in the centre of the top surface 32. The top surface 32 has a first edge portion 28 extending in the length direction of the top surface 32. The first edge portion 28 comprises at least one first connection part 36. In figure 3, the first edge portion 28 comprises two first connection parts 36, bottom tenons, provided on opposite top surface ends 38, 39 or in the vicinity thereof. The first edge portion 28 or the first connection parts 36, is provided spaced apart from the side wall support line A-A in width direction of the top surface 32. The top surface 32 has also a second edge portion 29 extending in the length direction of the top surface 32. The second edge portion 29 comprises at least one second connection part 37. In figure 3, the second edge portion 29 comprises two second connection parts 37, bottom tenons, provided on opposite top surface ends 38, 39 or in the vicinity thereof. The second edge portion 29, or the second connection arts 37, is provided spaced apart from the side wall support line A-A in width direction of the top surface 32. The first and second edges portions 28, 29 are provided in the width direction of the top surface 32 on opposite sides of the side wall support line A-A such that the side wall support line A-A extends between the first and second edge portions 28, 29.

According to the above mentioned the first and second connection parts 36, 37 and the standing support 34 are spaced apart from each other on the top surface 32 in the width direction of the top surface 32. As shown in figure 3, the standing support 34 is provided to centre of the top surface 32 in length and width direction of the top surface 32. As, the first and second connection parts 36, 37 are provided to the first and second edge portion 28, 29 of the top surface 32, respectively, the first and second connection part 36, 37 and the standing support 34 are spaced apart from each other on the top surface 32 in the width direction of the top surface 32. Furthermore, as the first and second connection parts 36, 37 are provided to the first and second top surface ends 38, 39 of the top surface 32, the first and second connection part 36, 37 and the standing support 34 are spaced apart from each other on the top surface 32 in the length direction of the top surface 32.

The base member of figure 3 further comprises two alignment parts 42 arranged to form a side wall joint between the base plate 31 and the vertical side wall of the shelf. The alignment parts 42 are provided on the top surface 32 of the base plate 31. The alignment parts 42 are provided on the side wall support line A- A. The alignment parts 42 are arranged to form a side wall mortise-and-tenon joint between the base plate 31 and the side wall 60 of the shelf. In the embodiment of figure 3, the alignment parts 42 are formed as side wall tenons 42 protruding from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31. The alignment parts 42 are provided on opposite top surface ends 38, 39, or in the vicinity thereof, of the top surface 32 in the length direction of the top surface 32. As shown in figure 3, the alignment parts 42 are in line in the width direction of the top surface 32 with the first and second connection parts 36, 37 at first and second top surface ends 38, 39. Furthermore, s shown in figures 7 and 9, the alignment parts 42 are in line in the length direction of the top surface 32 with each other and the standing support 34 along the side wall support line A- A.

In an alternative embodiment, the alignment parts 42 may be formed as side wall mortises extending from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 into the base plate 31.

Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of another embodiment the base member. In this embodiment, the standing support 34 is a plate or plate-like member protruding from the top surface 32 and extending in the length direction of the top surface 32. The plate standing support 34 may extend along the side wall support line A-A. In this embodiment, the alignment parts 42 could be omitted, as the plate standing support 34 also provides alignment support preventing the vertical side wall from rotating around vertical axis. The plate standing support may extend between the first top surface end 38 and the second top surface end 39, or on at least a portion between the first top surface end 38 and the second top surface end 39. In figure 4, the first edge portion 28 or the first connection parts 36, is provided spaced apart from the plate standing support 34 in width direction of the top surface 32, and the second edge portion 29, or the second connection arts 37, is provided spaced apart from the plate standing support 34 in width direction of the top surface 32.

It should be noted, that in all the embodiment the base member may be an integral part of the base plate 31. Alternatively, the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 may comprise at least one support hole 35 extending from the top surface 32 into the base plate 31. Thus, the at least one standing support 34 may be a detachable part arranged in the at least one support hole 35.

Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of one embodiment of the base member 30 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the base plate 31 is provided with stabilizer recesses 41 on the bottom surface 33 of the base plate 31. The stabilizers 40 are arranged into the stabilizer recesses 41. The depth Y of the stabilizer recesses 41 substantially corresponds the height of the stabilizers such that the under surface of the stabilizers 40 may be arranged flush with the bottom surface 33 of the base plate 31. In the embodiment of figure 5, the base member 30 comprises two stabilizers 42 provided on opposite top surface ends 38, 39, or in the vicinity thereof, of the top surface 32 in the length direction of the top surface 32. The two stabilizers 40 being connected adjustably to the base plate 31 with a thread connection. The thread connection comprising a female thread provided to the base plate 31 and a thread tap 44 extending from the at least one stabilizer 40 and having a male thread.

The two stabilizers 40 are provided in connection with the alignment parts 42, as shown in figures 5, 7 and 9. In this embodiment, the stabilizers 40 comprise thread tap 44 having a male thread. The alignment parts 42 are formed as sleeves or nuts protruding from the top surface 32 and having through hole with female thread. There is provided a through hole 47 (doted lines in figure 5) through the bottom plate 31 from the top surface 32 to the bottom surface 33 at the location of the alignment part 42. The alignment part 42 and the stabilizer 40 are in line in vertical direction through the base plate 31. It should be noted, that the alignment part 42 and the female thread may also extend from the top surface 32 through the base plate 31 to the bottom surface 33. The thread tap 44 extends via the through hole 47 through the bottom plate 31 and through or into the alignment part 42. The thread tap 44 may also protrude further upwards from the alignment parts 42 such that it forms at least part of the alignment part and increased the height of the alignment part.

The first and second connection parts 36, 37, or the bottom tenons, have a height X from the top surface 32. The height X is preferably smaller than the thickness of the horizontal bottom plate such that the connection parts 36, 37 fit into a bottom mortise provided to the horizontal bottom plate, but do not extend through the horizontal bottom plate. Alternatively, the height X may be equal or greater than the thickness of the horizontal bottom plate and the bottom mortise in the horizontal bottom plate is a through hole such that the connection parts 36, 37 fit into a bottom mortise provided to the horizontal bottom plate and extend through the horizontal bottom plate.

The standing support 34 protrudes from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 or has a height H of at least 10 centimetres, preferably at least 20 centimetres. Alternatively, the standing support has a height H of at least 5% of the height of the vertical side wall, preferably at least 10% of the height of the vertical side wall. The at least one standing support is capable to support and hold the side wall in upright position, when the vertical side wall is placed on the top surface of the base plate such that the at least one standing support is arranged inside at least one support aperture provided on that bottom end face of the vertical side wall. The width or diameter of the standing support 34 in the width direction of the top surface 32 is less than the thickness of the vertical side wall such that the standing support fits into the support aperture in the vertical side wall.

Figure 6 corresponds figure 5, but in this embodiment there is two standing supports 34. It should be noted, that the base member 30 may comprise one or more standing supports 34. The two standing supports are provided along the side wall support line A-A on the top surface 32 of the base plate 31.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment in which the first and second connection parts 36, 37 are provided longitudinal extending on the top surface 32 and in the length direction of the top surface 32 on the first and second edge portions 28, 29 respectively. The longitudinal connection parts 36, 37 may be bottom tenons or protrusions protruding from the top surface 32 and arranged to be connected to similar apertures or bottom mortises in the horizontal bottom plate. Alternatively, the longitudinal connection parts 36, 37 may be bottom mortises or apertures extending from the top surface 32 into the base plate 3 land arranged to be connected to similar protrusions or bottom tenons in the horizontal bottom plate. In figure 8, the longitudinal alignment parts 36, 37 are in line with the standing support 34 in the width direction of the top surface 32. However, it should be noted that the longitudinal connection parts 36, 37 may also be arranged differently and there may also be one or more first and second longitudinal connection parts 36, 37, or combination of longitudinal and point-like or symmetrical connection arts 36, 37.

Figures 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of the base member

30. In this embodiment, the base member 30 is an end base member 30 to which only one horizontal bottom plate may be connected. The top surface 32 has the side wall support line A-A extending in the length direction of the top surface 32. The at least one standing support 34 is arranged on the side wall support line A-A, as shown in figures 10 and 11. The top surface 32 has the first edge portion 28 provided spaced apart from the side wall support line A-A in width direction of the top surface 32 and extending in the length direction of the top surface 32. The first edge portion 28 comprises the first connection parts 36. The top surface 32 also has the second edge portion 29 extending in the length direction of the base plate

31. The first and second edge portions 28, 29 are adjacent to each other. In this embodiment the side wall support line (A-A) is provided to the second edge portion 29. This means that the standing support 34 and the alignment parts 42, 44 are also provided to the second edge portion 29. Accordingly, the vertical side wall extends upwards from the second edge portion 29 and the vertical bottom plate is connected to the first edge portion 28.

Figures 12a and 12b, show the vertical bottom plate 50 having an upper surface 51 and an under surface 52. The horizontal bottom plate comprises a first plate end 53 and an opposing second plate end 54. The bottom plate 50 further comprises one or more bottom plate connection parts 56 provided to the under surface 52 of the bottom plate 50 and on the opposing first and second plate ends 53, 54. The bottom plate connection parts 56 are arranged to connect with the first and second connection parts 36, 37 of the base member 30. The bottom plate connection parts 56 are bottom mortises in the embodiment of figures 12a and 12b, and arranged to receive tenons 36, 37 provided on the top surface 32 of the base plate 31. The depth D of the bottom mortise 56 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the bottom plate 50. Furthermore, the depth D of the bottom mortise preferably corresponds the height X of the bottom tenon 36, 37 on the top surface 32 of the bottom late 30. In an alternative embodiment, at least one bottom tenon 56 is provided to the under surface 52 of the horizontal bottom plate 50, and thus the bottom mortise 36, 37 is provided on the top surface 32 of the bottom plate 31. In a yet alternative embodiment, at least one bottom mortise 56 is provided to the under surface 52 of the horizontal bottom plate 50, at least one bottom mortise provided to the top surface 32 of the base plate 31. Then, at least one separate bottom tenon is arranged to protrude between bottom mortises 56, 36, 37 of the bottom plate 50 and the base plate 31.

Figure 13 shows an end side view, in which a horizontal bottom late 50 is supported and connected between two base members 30. The horizontal bottom plate 50 is shown shortened and cutted with the dotted line. The horizontal bottom plate 50 is arranged between the two base members 30 and supported from the under surface 52 against top surface 32 of the base plate 30. The horizontal bottom plate 30 being connected to the both base members 30 with a bottom joint 36, 37, 56 provided between the under surface 52 of the horizontal bottom plate 50 and top surface 32 of the base plate 30. It should be noted that the first and second ends 53, 54 are supported against the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 and the top surface 32 extends only a portion of the length of the under surface 52 between the two base members 30. The under surface 52 of the bottom plate 50 at the first plate end 53 is arranged against the top surface 32 of one base plate 30 on the first edge portion 28 of the top surface 32, and the under surface 52 of the bottom plate 50 at the second plate end 53 is arranged against the top surface 32 of another base plate 30 on the second edge portion 28 of the top surface 32.

The bottom joint 36, 37, 56 is a bottom mortise-and-tenon joint between top surface 32 of the base member 30 and the under surface 52 of the horizontal bottom plate 50. The bottom mortise-and-tenon joint comprises the at least one bottom mortise 56 provided to the under surface 52 of the horizontal bottom plate 50 and the at least one bottom tenon 36, 37 protruding from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 into the at least one bottom mortise 56.

Figure 14 shows a top view of two horizontal bottom plates 50 connected to one base member 30. The top surface 32 has the first edge portion 28 provided spaced apart from the side wall support line A-A in width direction of the top surface 32 and extending in the length direction of the top surface 32. The first edge portion 28 comprises a first bottom joint 36, 56 with a first bottom plate 50 (left in figure 14). The top surface 32 also has a second edge portion 29 provided spaced apart from the side wall support line A-A in width direction of the top surface 32 and extending in the length direction of the top surface 32. The first edge portion 28 comprises a second bottom joint 37, 56 with a second bottom plate 50 (right in figure 14). The first and second edges portions 28, 29 being provided in the width direction of the top surface 32 on opposite sides of the side wall support line A-A such that the side wall support line A-A extends between the first and second edge portions 28, 29. Accordingly, there is gap G between the horizontal bottom plates 50 , or between the first and second plate ends 53, 54 of the adjacent bottom plates 50 on the top surface 32 of the base plate 31.

Figures 15a and 15b show schematically a vertical side wall 60. The vertical side wall 60 comprises a top end 61 and a bottom end 62, a first side surface 63 extending between the top end 61 and the bottom end 62, and a second side surface 64 extending between the top end 61 and the bottom end 62. The bottom end 62 of the vertical side wall 60 is provided with at least one support aperture 66 extending from the bottom end face 62' of the bottom end 62 towards the top end 61 of the side wall 60. The side wall 60 may arranged on the base member 30 such that the at least one standing support 34 protrudes from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 inside the at least one support aperture 66. The support aperture 66 is preferably provided in the middle of the bottom end face 62' along the bottom end face 62'.

The vertical side wall 60 with side wall mortises 68 extending from the bottom end face 62' of the bottom end 62 towards the top end 61 of the side wall 60. The side wall mortises 68 are arranged to receive alignment parts 42, 44 protruding from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 for forming a side wall joint between the vertical side wall 60 and the base member 30.

The vertical side wall 60 is further provided on the first side surface 63, possibly also on the second side surface 64, with shelf support apertures for receiving shelf supports (not shown).

Figure 16 shows schematically the vertical side wall supported on the base member 30 in the situation of figure 14. The vertical side wall 60 is connected to the base member 30 with a side wall joint 42, 44, 68 provided between bottom end face 62' of the vertical side wall 60 and the base member 30, and more specifically between bottom end face 62' of the vertical side wall 60 and the top surface 32 of the base member 30 on the side wall support line A-A. The vertical side wall 60 is connected to the base member 30 with a side wall mortise-and- tenon joint 42, 44, 68 provided between bottom end face 62' of the vertical side wall 60 and the base member 30 on the side wall support line A-A. The side wall mortise-and-tenon joint 42, 44, 68 comprises the at least one side wall mortise 68 provided to the bottom end face 62' and the at least one side wall tenon 42, 44 protruding from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 into the at least one side wall mortise 68. Furthermore, the standing support 34 is arranged inside the support aperture 66 such that the gives lateral support for the vertical side wall 60 and holds the vertical side wall 60 in upright position. As shown in figure 16, bottom end face 62' of the vertical side wall 60 is supported directly on the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 and between the two horizontal bottom plates 50. This is advantageous for the support of the vertical side wall 60, especially during assembling. When the horizontal bottom plates 50 are installed on the base member 30 they provide lateral support for the vertical side wall 60. Thus one person can easily assemble the shelf, as the vertical side wall may stand without holding.

Figure 17 shows one shelf or shelf system 100 in assembled condition. The horizontal bottom plates 50 and the vertical side walls 60 are all supported on the base members 30 and connected to each other with the base members 30. Shelfs plates 72 and the top plates 70 are arranged between the adjacent two vertical side walls 60 and supported to the them with shelf supports 74.

Figure 18, shows an alternative embodiment of the bottom plate 50. In this embodiment, the plate ends 53 and 57, or end faces, are provided with support grooves 57 forming recesses for receiving the standing support 34 in horizontal direction. The plate ends 53 and 57, or end faces, are further provided with joint grooves 58 forming recesses for receiving the alignment parts 36, 37 or tenons in horizontal direction. This enables the adjacent horizontal bottom plates 50 to be placed in butt joint such that the end faces are against each other on the top surface 32 of the base plate 31, as shown in figure 19. The support grooves 57 allow the standing support 34 to protrude from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 above the upper surface 51 of the horizontal bottom plates 51. Similarly, the joint grooves 58 allow the alignment parts 36, 37 to protrude from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 above the upper surface 51 of the horizontal bottom plates 51.

Figure 20 shows schematically an end side view of the embodiment of figure 19. In this embodiment, the bottom end face 62' of the bottom end 62 of the vertical side wall 60 is arranged against the upper surface 51 of the bottom plate 50 such that the at least one standing support 34 protrudes from the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 inside the at least one support aperture 66. Accordingly, in this embodiment the horizontal bottom plates 50 is supported against the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 and the vertical side wall 60 is supported on the vertical bottom plate 50.

It should be noted that the same arrangement as in figure 20 may also be used in the end base member figures 10 and 11 such that the horizontal bottom plate 50 extends from the first end portion 28 to the second end portion 29 and the vertical side wall in supported on the upper surface 51 of the horizontal bottom plate 50.

Figures 21 and 23 show are further embodiment of the base member 30 present invention. In this embodiment, the at least one standing support provided to the top surface 32 and arranged to form a side wall joint between the base plate 31 and the side wall 60 is a support hole 35. The support hole 35 is provided on the top surface 32 of the base plate 31 such that the support hole 35 extends from the top surface 32 into the base plate 31 for receiving a standing tenon provided to the vertical side wall 70 or a separate side wall tenon. Figure 23 shows a side wall 60 having a side wall protrusion 67 provided to the bottom end face 62' of the bottom end 62 of the vertical side wall 60. The vertical side wall 60 may be attached to the base member 30 such that the side wall protrusion 67 is inserted into the support hole 35. In the base member of figures 21, 22 the base member 30 comprises at least one bottom mortise provided to the top surface 32 of the base plate 31, thus at least one bottom tenon may be protruding from the under surface 52 of the horizontal bottom plate 50 for forming the bottom joint.

The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.