Patent Publication Number: US-2023157447-A1

Title: Shelving System for Resisting Applied Shear Forces and Method for Forming the Same

Description:
This application claims priority to, and the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 17/397,043, filed on Aug. 9, 2021, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent Ser. No. 16/722,695, filed on Dec. 20, 2019, pursuant to 35 USC 120, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Technology 
     The invention relates to the field of shelving and shelving systems, particularly to shelving units which are easily assembled from a plurality of components without compromising the structural integrity of the shelving unit. 
     Description of the Prior Art 
     Utility or commercial shelving units or shelving systems comprised of different types of materials have long been used in the art. Some of the materials commonly used include wood, metal, plastic or plastic composites. Many of these prior art shelving systems have a plurality of shelves which can either be fixed at certain predetermined heights or may be adjustable to one of a series of available heights using an adjustable coupling means such as clamps, buckles, or sliding and locking mounts. Some shelving systems also include drawers or cabinets as well. 
     While many of the prior art designs are not without their respective merits, several limitations found in the prior art have become apparent. The first and most crucial of these limitations is the ratio of the load that may be supported by the shelving system to the weight of the shelving system itself. For example, a shelving system that is infused with concrete or reinforced steel may be able to support a relatively large load, however the weight that is added to the shelving system makes the entire system cumbersome and difficult to reconfigure or adjust to the specific needs of any specific user. On the other hand, if a shelving system is too light, the load it can support may be severely restricted thus limiting the scope of use of the shelving system. 
     Additionally, for shelving systems with shelves that may be adjusted to a user determined height, the means for coupling the shelves to their support posts can be overly complicated or inconvenient. Adjustable coupling means that are too complicated are more prone to malfunction and can add additional unnecessary weight to the shelving system. Inconvenient coupling means may similarly be difficult to use or require at least two people to operate. 
     Relatedly, many shelving units or shelving systems are manufactured in multiple parts which are delivered to the consumer who must then assemble the shelving unit before using it. Cumbersome or overly complicated coupling means not only make the shelving system more difficult or inconvenient to use, but the more complicated the means for assembling the shelf unit, the more likely that the user will improperly construct the shelf unit which could therefore lead to a structural failure. For example, if the user improperly or incompletely joins a traverse of a shelf to a vertical post and then places a weight on the shelf, the odds of the traverse decoupling from the post or otherwise failing is dramatically increased. As a result therefore, the maximum weight capacity of the shelving system is dramatically reduced, if not completely nullified. Additionally, when a shear force or stress is applied to the shelving system, such as when a user or other object bumps into or collides with the system, the applied force can cause the connection points of the shelving system to weaken or even fail completely. 
     What is needed is a shelving system that is strong enough to support large load distributions and yet still capable of resisting any shear forces which are applied to the shelving system without comprising the overall structural integrity of the shelving system itself. Additionally, the shelving system should be easily assembled from a plurality of parts in such a manner so as to prevent a user from incorrectly constructing the shelving system and perhaps compromising its structural integrity in the process. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The current invention provides a shelving system which includes a plurality of posts and a plurality of connectors, where each post connector is configured to connect to at least two of the posts. The shelving system also includes a plurality of traverses, each traverse being configured to connect to at least two of the posts. The shelving system further includes a plurality of removable female brackets, each removable female bracket including at least one tapered edge. Each of the plurality of traverses in turn include a male bracket that is disposed on each of a pair of ends of the traverse, where each male bracket is specifically configured to apply a force to at least one female bracket which is supportive of a weight applied to the shelving system. 
     In one embodiment, each of the male brackets is configured to frictionally engage with the tapered edge of a corresponding female bracket. 
     In another embodiment, each of the removable female brackets has a tab which is configured to be inserted into one of a plurality of notches that are defined along a height of each of the posts. 
     In yet another embodiment, each of the female brackets have a base with a pocket defined therein, the pocket being specifically configured to accommodate a corresponding one of the male brackets. 
     In another embodiment, the shelving also includes a plurality of inserts, wherein each of the inserts includes a hollow interior which is configured to accommodate one of the posts therethrough, a front wall having a frontal opening which bifurcates the front wall into two equal halves, and a pair of catches, wherein at least one of the catches is disposed on one of the two halves of the bifurcated front wall. In this embodiment, each of the connectors has a female key defined in each of its lateral ends, the female key being specifically configured to accommodate the pair of catches that are disposed on the insert. The pair of catches are themselves configured to apply a reaction force in any direction to at least one of the connectors in response to a shear force applied to the shelving system. Specifically, the pair of catches are configured to apply the reaction force to an inside surface of the female key that is defined in each lateral end of each of the connectors when the pair of catches are inserted into the female key. Also in this embodiment, the hollow interior of each insert may include an internal volume which is capable of accommodating a horizontal cross sectional shape of a corresponding one of the posts. 
     In another embodiment, the male bracket disposed on each end of each traverse includes a hook that is configured to accommodate a portion of at least one of the posts therein. 
     The invention further provides a system for forming a shelf unit. The system includes a plurality of posts, a plurality of removable top connectors which each include at least two end caps, and a plurality of removable bottom connectors which include at least two collars. The system also includes a plurality of traverses which each include at least two male brackets and a plurality of removable inserts that are each configured to connect to either one of the top connectors or one of the bottom connectors. A plurality of removable female brackets are also provided which are each configured to connect one of the traverses to one of the posts. Specifically, each of the plurality of inserts is configured to apply a reaction force in any direction to either one of the top connectors or one of the bottom connectors in response to a shear force applied to the shelf unit. Additionally, the male brackets that are disposed on each of the traverses are configured to apply a force to one of the female brackets that is supportive of a weight applied to the shelving system. 
     In one embodiment, the system also includes a female key that is defined within a surface of each of the end caps and each of the collars that are disposed on each of the top connectors and each of the bottom connectors, respectively. In this embodiment, a pair of catches may be disposed on each of the inserts which are configured to be inserted into the female key defined in either one of the plurality of end caps or one of the plurality of collars. 
     In another embodiment, each of the plurality of female brackets have at least one tapered edge that is configured to interact with one of the two male brackets that are disposed on each of the traverses. 
     In a further embodiment, each of the plurality of female brackets have a tab which is configured to be inserted into one of a plurality of notches that are defined along a first edge of at least one of the posts. Here, each of the male brackets also include a hook that is configured to accommodate a second edge of at least one of the posts, where the second edge is disposed on an opposing side of the post relative to the first edge of the post. 
     The invention further provides a method for forming a shelving system that is resistant to applied shear forces. The method includes coupling at least one top post connector to at least two of a plurality of posts, coupling at least one bottom connector to at least two of the plurality of posts, and coupling at least one traverse to at least two of the plurality of posts. In one specific embodiment, coupling the at least one top connector to the at least two of the plurality of posts specifically includes disposing an insert onto each of the at least two posts and then inserting at least two catches disposed on each of the inserts into a female key defined in a surface of the at least one top post connector. 
     In one particular embodiment, the step of coupling the at least one traverse to the at least two of the plurality of posts specifically includes disposing a female bracket into one of a plurality of notches defined along a height of each of the at least two posts, the female bracket comprising at least one tapered edge, and then pressing a male bracket disposed on each end of the at least one traverse over the female bracket disposed on each of the at least two posts, wherein the at least one tapered edge of the female bracket makes surface contact with the male bracket. The embodiment may also include squeezing the female bracket tighter against each of the at least two posts as contact between the at least one tapered edge of the female bracket and the male bracket increases. Additionally, pressing the male bracket disposed on each end of the at least one traverse over the female bracket disposed on each of the at least two posts may include inserting the male bracket disposed each end of the at least one traverse into a pocket defined in each female bracket disposed on each of the at least two posts. 
     In a further embodiment, the step of coupling the at least one top connector to the at least two of the plurality of posts also includes inserting a top portion of each of the at least two posts and the insert disposed on each of the at least two posts into a corresponding pair of end caps disposed on either end of the at least one top connector and then coupling the end cap disposed on either end of the at least one top post connector to the insert disposed on each of the at least two posts. In this embodiment, inserting the at least two catches disposed on each of the inserts into the female key defined in a surface of the at least one top post connector may also include inserting the at least two catches disposed on each of the inserts into a female key defined in a surface of at least one of the end caps. 
     In a further embodiment, inserting the at least two catches disposed on each of the inserts into a female key defined in a surface of the at least one top post connector specifically includes the at least two catches applying a reaction force in any direction to the surface of the at least one top post connector in response to a shear force applied to the shelving system. In some embodiments, the at least two catches applying a reaction force in any direction to the surface of the at least one top post connector in response to a shear force applied to the shelving system also includes applying the reaction force to an inside surface of the female key defined in at least one end cap disposed on a lateral end of the at least one top post connector when the pair of catches are inserted into the female key. 
     In an additional embodiment, disposing an insert onto each of the at least two posts may also include disposing a top portion of each of the at least two posts through a hollow interior defined in each insert. 
     In one embodiment, coupling the at least one bottom connector to the at least two of the plurality of posts includes disposing an insert onto each of the at least two posts, inserting the at least two posts and the insert disposed on each of the at least two posts through a corresponding pair of collars disposed on either end of the at least one bottom connector, and then coupling the collar disposed on either end of the at least one bottom post connector to the insert disposed on each of the at least two posts. In one specific embodiment, coupling the collar disposed on either end of the at least one bottom post connector to the insert disposed on each of the at least two posts may include inserting at least two catches disposed on the insert into a female key defined in a surface of each of the collars. 
     In yet another embodiment, the step of pressing the male bracket disposed on each end of the at least one traverse over the female bracket disposed on each of the at least two posts includes accommodating a portion of at least one of the plurality of posts within a hook disposed on the male bracket. 
     While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The disclosure can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a planar view of a longitudinal side of the shelving system of the current invention. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a bottom perspective view of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 C  is a top perspective view of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 D  is planar view of a lateral side of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 E  is top down view of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 A  is a bottom perspective view of a top post connector included within the shelving system of the current invention. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a bottom view of the top post connector seen in  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  2 C  is a magnified frontal view of a post cap coupled to the top post connector seen in  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of a post included within the shelving system of the current invention. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a magnified side view of the top portion of the post seen in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  4 B  is a frontal view of the top portion of the post seen in  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  5 A  is a magnified side view of the bottom portion of the post seen in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5 B  is a frontal view of the top portion of the post seen in  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  6 A  is a top perspective view of the bottom post connector including within the shelving system of the current invention. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a magnified frontal view of a post sleeve coupled to the bottom post connector seen in  FIG.  6 A . 
         FIG.  7    is a magnified frontal view of the post cap seen in  FIG.  2 C  after being coupled to the top portion of a post. 
         FIG.  8    is a magnified frontal view of the post sleeve seen in  FIG.  6 B  after being coupled to the bottom portion of a post. 
         FIG.  9    is a magnified view of the coupling between a male frictional engagement member of a post and a female frictional engagement member of either a top or bottom post connector. 
         FIG.  10 A  is a cross sectional view of the top post connector coupled to a pair of posts. 
         FIG.  10 B  is a cross sectional view of the bottom post connector coupled to a pair of posts. 
         FIG.  11    is a cross sectional longitudinal view of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  12 A  is a bottom perspective view of a traverse end piece coupled to a first male component defining the traverse coupling positions disposed along the height of a post. 
         FIG.  12 B  is a bottom perspective view of a traverse end piece coupled to a second male component defining the traverse coupling positions disposed along the height of a post. 
         FIG.  12 C  is a frontal view of the traverse end piece coupled to the first male component seen in  FIG.  12 A . 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective exploded view of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the shelving system comprising an alternative means for coupling the plurality of traverses and top and bottom connectors to the plurality of vertical posts. 
         FIG.  15 A  is a perspective view of a top or upper fastener or connector used within the alternative embodiment of the shelving system. 
         FIG.  15 B  is a bottom plan view of the top or upper fastener or connector seen in  FIG.  15 A . 
         FIG.  16 A  is a perspective view of a bottom or lower fastener or connector used within the alternative embodiment of the shelving system. 
         FIG.  16 B  is a bottom plan view of the bottom or lower fastener or connector seen in  FIG.  16 A . 
         FIG.  17 A  is a magnified perspective view of an upright or post used within the alternative embodiment of the shelving system. 
         FIG.  17 B  is a cross sectional view of the upright or post seen in  FIG.  17 A . 
         FIG.  17 C  is a plan view of a smooth or flat side of the upright or post seen in  FIG.  17 A . 
         FIG.  17 D  is a plan view of a notched or inner side of the upright or post seen in  FIG.  17 A . 
         FIG.  17 E  is a plan view of a rear or outer side of the upright or post seen in  FIG.  17 A . 
         FIG.  18 A  is a partially exploded perspective view of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  18 B  is a magnified view of the top portion of the partially exploded perspective view of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  18 A . 
         FIG.  18 C  is a magnified view of the bottom portion of the partially exploded perspective view of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  18 A . 
         FIG.  18 D  is a magnified view of a coupling between a top or upper connector and an upright or post seen in  FIG.  18 A . 
         FIG.  19 A  is an upward perspective view of a cap or sleeve insert used to couple the connectors to the posts of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  19 B  is a frontal plan view of the cap or sleeve insert seen in  FIG.  19 A . 
         FIG.  20 A  is a perspective view of a left oriented fixture or female bracket used to couple a traverse to a post of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  20 B  is a frontal plan view of the left oriented fixture or female bracket seen in  FIG.  20 A . 
         FIG.  20 C  is a left rear perspective view of the left oriented fixture or female bracket seen in  FIG.  20 A . 
         FIG.  20 D  is a right rear perspective view of the left oriented fixture or female bracket seen in  FIG.  20 A . 
         FIG.  21 A  is a frontal plan view a right oriented fixture or female bracket used to couple a traverse to a post of the shelving system seen in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  21 B  is a left plan view of the right oriented fixture or female bracket seen in  FIG.  21 A . 
         FIG.  21 C  is a right plan view of the right oriented fixture or female bracket seen in  FIG.  21 A . 
         FIG.  21 D  is a rear plan view of the right oriented fixture or female bracket seen in  FIG.  21 A . 
         FIG.  21 E  is a rear cross-sectional view of the right oriented fixture or female bracket seen in  FIG.  21 D . 
         FIG.  22 A  is a perspective view of a shelf support or traverse used within the shelving system seen in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  22 B  is a bottom plane view of the shelf support or traverse seen in  FIG.  22 A . 
         FIG.  23 A  is a magnified perspective view from the outside of the shelving system of the coupling between a traverse and a right oriented fixture or female bracket. 
         FIG.  23 B  is a magnified perspective view from the inside of the shelving system of the coupling between a traverse and a right oriented fixture or female bracket. 
     
    
    
     The disclosure and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A first embodiment of the current invention is seen in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E  where the shelving system is generally denoted by reference numeral  10 . The shelving system primarily comprises a plurality of vertical posts  12  arranged in a substantially rectangular pattern. One vertical post  12  is preferably disposed at each respective corner of the rectangle. While there are four vertical posts  12  shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , it is important to note that any number of vertical posts may be used in any number of configuration such as squares, circles, semi-circles and the like without departing from the original spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Disposed laterally between the plurality of vertical posts  12  are a plurality of horizontal traverses  14 . In the embodiment best seen in  FIGS.  1 B and  1 C , the horizontal traverses  14  are paired up in parallel groups of two and are coupled to vertical posts  12  at either end of each traverse  14 . Each parallel pair of traverses  14  thereby forms a support structure or a frame for a shelf. Specifically, each parallel pair of traverse  14  may accommodate a plurality of removable shelf plates, storage containers or modules, or any other adjustable, removable, or configurable components related to a shelving system now known or later devised. It should also be noted that fewer or additional traverses  14  other than what is explicitly shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E  may be used without departing from the original spirit and scope of the invention. For example,  FIG.  1 C  shows four pairs of parallel traverses  14  thereby providing at least four frames or supports for four different shelving areas, however additional pairs of traverses  14  may be present thereby providing more options for the user to dispose shelving plates or other shelving system related components at different levels or heights within the shelving system  10 . 
     The vertical posts  12  and horizontal traverses  14  of the shelving system  10  are made by a pultrusion process comprising the following steps of providing a supply of fiberglass rovings, guiding fibers from the fiberglass rovings through a resin impregnator, saturating the fibers with resin from the resin impregnator, pulling the saturated fibers through a forming die, forming the fibers to a predetermined shape to form a pultruded component, and cutting the formed pultruded traverse or post to a predetermined length. Specifically, both the primary horizontal traverses  14  and the primary vertical posts  12  are comprised of plastic or plastic composites and are fabricated by the known process of pultrusion. 
     The process of pultrusion in general includes a plurality of strands of fiberglass or other suitable material being extruded from a plurality of rovings disposed on a rack by a plurality of pulleys or other suitable means. The strands of fiberglass are brought together with other materials such as mats and are placed in a resin bath or are otherwise impregnated with resin and other substances that bind the roving strands together in a resin impregnator. The resin may either be liquid or powder based depending on the type of fiberglass material being supplied by the rovings, and may include a mixture of one or more thermosetting or thermoplastic resins. Various types of filament winding may be added if desired to the resin infused strands by an in-line winder. Adding a filament winding increases the bi-axial strength of the pultruded component. The resin infused strands are then mechanically pulled by a set of roving pullers through a set of performers which help the fiberglass rovings obtain an initial rough shape before being pulled through a curring die which forms the fiberglass to a permanent predetermined shape. After being pulled, heated, or cured, a saw then cuts the pultruded component down to a desired length or plurality of lengths. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the current invention, the horizontal traverses  14  and vertical posts  12  are comprised of a mixture of 70% to 80% glass and 20% to 30% resin. The fiberglass being fed from the rovings is a continuous filament of 2025 Fiver glass. As the fiberglass enters the resin impregnator  176 , a resin comprising 50% BAYDUR PUL2500 (Polymeric Diphenyimethane Diisocyanate (pMDI)), 47.32% BAYDURE PUL2500 (Polyol System), 2.07% mold release (AXEL INT-1948MCH), and 0.25% color load (REBUS Code 70165) is impregnated onto the fiberglass. After each of the components have been properly cured, molded, and cut, the resulting product is an extremely strong and durable structural element for the shelving system  10  that is still lightweight enough to be easily carried or otherwise manipulated. It is to be expressly understood however that other similar types of fiberglass or resins may be used in differing proportions from what is listed here without departing from the original spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Coupled to a top portion of at least two adjacently disposed vertical posts  12  is a top post connector  16 . Similarly, coupled to a bottom portion of at least two adjacently disposed vertical posts  12  is a bottom post connector  18 . Both the top post connectors  16  and the bottom post connectors  18  are oriented perpendicularly relative to the plurality of traverses  14  as best seen in the top down view of the shelving system  10  of  FIG.  1 E . Additionally, both the top post connectors  16  and bottom post connectors  18  are preferably comprised of injection molded plastic or plastic composites. 
     Greater detail of the top post connectors  16  may be seen in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . Each top post connector  16  comprises a substantially longitudinal crosspiece  20  with a substantially cuboidal post cap  22  disposed on either lateral end of the crosspiece  20 . Each post cap  22  comprises a post aperture  24  which is defined in its bottom surface. The post cap  22  forms a shell or is otherwise hollow so that a top portion or tip of a vertical post  12  may be accommodated or nested therein by being disposed or inserted into the internal volume of the post cap  22  through the post aperture  24  as is detailed further below. 
     In turn, greater detail of the bottom post connectors  18  may be seen in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . Like the top post connector  16  discussed above, each bottom post connector  18  comprises a substantially longitudinal crosspiece  20  with a substantially cuboidal post sleeve  22 ′ disposed on either lateral end of the crosspiece  20 . Each post sleeve  22 ′ comprises a post aperture  24  which is defined in both its top and bottom surface. The post sleeve  22 ′ forms a shell or is otherwise hollow so that the bottom portion of the vertical post  12  may be accommodated or disposed therein by being inserted into the internal volume of the post sleeve  22 ′ through the post aperture  24  as is detailed further below. 
     Each post cap  22  and post sleeve  22 ′ comprises a cutout or female frictional engagement member  26  defined in at least one surface of the post cap  22  or post sleeve  22 ′. Specifically, as best seen in the bottom view of the top post connector  16  of  FIG.  2 B  and the perspective view of the bottom post connector  18  of  FIG.  6 A , the female frictional engagement member  26  is defined completely through at least one edge or surface of the post cap  22  or the post sleeve  22 ′ so as to form an asymmetrical bottom or top footprint, respectively.  FIGS.  2 C and  6 B  further specify that the female frictional engagement member  26  is defined at or approximate to the bottom of a front surface  28  of the post cap  22  and at the top of a front surface  28 ′ of the post sleeve  22 ′. Additionally, the female frictional engagement member  26  is substantially centrally or symmetrically defined along a vertical axis  30  of the front surface  28  of the post cap  22  and of the front surface  28 ′ of the post sleeve  22 ′, respectively. 
     The female frictional engagement member  26  is seen in  FIGS.  2 C and  6 B  as being substantially circular or semi-circular in shape, however it is to be expressly understood that other shapes, sizes, or configurations may be used without departing from the original spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the female frictional engagement member  26  may comprise any shape which is capable or configured to frictionally engage another component inserted into it over a majority of its inner surface as defined within the respective front surfaces  28 ,  28 ′ of the post cap  22  and post sleeve  22 ′. Such shapes or configurations include but are not limited to triangular, rectangular or parallelepiped, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal. Additionally, while the female frictional engagement member  26  is seen in  FIGS.  2 B,  2 C, and  6 B  as a hole or aperture defined through the front surface  28 ,  28 ′, it is to be expressly understood that the female frictional engagement member  26  may comprise an additional surface or contact point beyond what is provided by the edge or thickness of the front surface  28 ,  28 ′ itself. For example, the female frictional engagement member  26  may comprise a hood, ridge, or other projection or extension which extends out in a perpendicular direction relative to the vertical oriented front surface  28  so that a contact point or frictional surface is formed other than at the position or vertical plane shared by the front surface  28 ,  28 ′ itself. 
     Greater detail of the vertical posts  12  may be had by turning to  FIGS.  3 - 5 B . As seen in  FIG.  3   , each vertical post  12  comprises an elongated body  32  with a smooth or flat outer surface  36  and an inner surface  38  which comprises a plurality of traverse coupling positions  34  disposed along the height of the vertical post. 
     The top and bottom portions of each vertical post  12  may be seen in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B and  5 A- 5 B , respectively. In  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , it can be seen that the top portion of each vertical post  12  comprises a top coupling portion  40  which comprises a slightly smaller width or cross sectional area than the body  32  of the vertical post  12  from which the top coupling portion  40  extends. Because the top coupling portion  40  has a smaller cross sectional area relative to the body  32 , a stop  42  is formed around the entire circumference or perimeter of the vertical post  12 , specifically at the intersection or joint between the body  32  and the top coupling portion  40 . Also disposed at the joint or stop  42  between the body  32  and the top coupling portion  40  is a male frictional engagement member  44  and a member support  48 . The male frictional engagement member  44  extends perpendicularly outward from a longitudinal axis of the top coupling portion  40  beyond the vertical plane defined by the outer surface  36  of the body  32 . The member support  48  is coupled or integrally formed with a bottom portion of the male frictional engagement member  44  and extends vertically downward, over the outer surface  36  of the body  32  portion of the vertical post  12 . As seen in  FIG.  4 A , the member support  48  is substantially tapered in the vertical direction, specifically with a maximum height at or near the male frictional engagement member  44  and a decreasing height as the member support  48  is disposed downward vertically relative to the body  32  until becoming flush or even with the outer surface  36  of the body  32 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the bottom portion of each vertical post  12  is seen which comprises a bottom coupling portion  46  which comprises a slightly smaller width or cross sectional area than the body  32  of the vertical post  12  from which the bottom coupling portion  46  extends. Like the top coupling portion  40  discussed above, because the bottom coupling portion  46  has a smaller cross sectional area relative to the body  32 , a stop  42  is formed around the entire circumference or perimeter of the vertical post  12 , specifically at the intersection or joint between the body  32  and the bottom coupling portion  46 . Also disposed at the joint or stop  42  between the body  32  and the bottom coupling portion  46  is a male frictional engagement member  44  and a member support  48 . The male frictional engagement member  44  extends perpendicularly outward from a longitudinal axis of the bottom coupling portion  46  beyond the vertical plane defined by the outer surface  36  of the body  32 . In this instance, the member support  48  is coupled or integrally formed with a top portion of the male frictional engagement member  44  and extends vertically upward, over the outer surface  36  of the body  32  portion of the vertical post  12 . As seen in  FIG.  5 A , the member support  48  is substantially tapered in the vertical direction, specifically with a maximum height at or near the male frictional engagement member  44  and a decreasing height as the member support  48  is disposed upward vertically relative to the body  32  until becoming flush or even with the outer surface  36  of the body  32 . Disposed beneath the bottom coupling portion  46  is a foot  50  which makes contact with the ground or surface on which the shelving system  10  rests. The foot  50  may be comprised of the same pultruded material as the body  32  of the vertical posts  12 , or alternatively, may be comprised of a different form of plastic such as injection molded plastic or a different material entirely such as metal or rubber. 
     Regardless where it is disposed relative to the body  32  of the vertical post  12 , the male frictional engagement member  44  seen in  FIGS.  4 B and  5 B  is seen as being substantially circular, semi-circular, or cylindrical in shape, however it is to be expressly understood that other shapes, sizes, or configurations may be used without departing from the original spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the male frictional engagement member  44  may comprise any shape which is capable or configured to frictionally engage another component into which the male frictional engagement member  44  is inserted, specifically over a majority of its outer surface as defined by the shape of the male frictional engagement member  44  itself. Such shapes or configurations include but are not limited to a tetrahedron, cuboid, sphere, cone, helix, or some combination thereof. Additionally, while the male frictional engagement member  44  is seen in  FIGS.  4 B and  5 B  as a cylinder with substantially smooth surfaces, it is to be expressly understood that the male frictional engagement member  44  may comprise an additional surface or structural feature beyond what is provided by the general shape of the male frictional engagement member  44  itself. For example, the male frictional engagement member  44  may comprise a helical screw thread, a toggle bolt, a notch or defined aperture, an anchor, or other receiving joint which is capable of creating or forming a contact point or other frictional surface. Additionally, construction material substances such as adhesive or mortar may be applied over the surface of the male frictional engagement member  44  to enhance its ability to couple or affix itself to another component. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  4 B and  7   , the frictional coupling or engagement between the top post connector  16  and a vertical post  12  may be seen. First, the top post connector  16  is disposed over the top coupling portion  40  of the vertical post  12 , specifically with the post aperture  24  defined in the bottom surface of the post cap  22  aligned or disposed directly over the top coupling portion  40 . The post cap  22  is brought vertically downward over the top coupling portion  40  so that it enters or is inserted through the post aperture  24  and into the hollow interior volume of the post cap  22 . As the top post connector  16  is pushed downward, the male frictional engagement member  44  disposed on the body  36  of the vertical post  12  is inserted or moves into the female frictional engagement member  26  defined within the post cap  22 . The male frictional engagement member  44  is nested within the female frictional engagement member  26  so that an entirety of an internal surface of the female frictional engagement member  26  is in physical contact with a corresponding outside surface of the male frictional engagement member  44 . At the same time the male frictional engagement member  44  is inserted into the female frictional engagement member  26 , a bottom portion or edge of the post cap  22  makes contact with the stop  42  disposed between the body  36  and the top coupling portion  40 . After making contact with the male frictional engagement member  44  and the stop  42 , all further downward movement of the post cap  22  and thus the top post connector  16  as a whole relative to the vertical post  12  is prevented. Each post cap  22  of the top post connector  16  may be coupled to a vertical post  12  individually, or the post caps  22  may be coupled to two different vertical posts  12  simultaneously, thereby helping form one lateral side of the shelving system  10  as seen in  FIG.  10 A . 
     The frictional coupling or engagement between the bottom post connector  18  and a vertical post  12  may be seen in  FIGS.  5 B and  8   . First, the bottom post connector  18  is disposed beneath or under the foot  50  and bottom coupling portion  46  of the vertical post  12 , specifically with the post aperture  24  defined in the top surface of the post sleeve  22 ′ aligned or disposed directly under the bottom coupling portion  46 . The post sleeve  22 ′ is brought vertically upward over the foot  50  and bottom coupling portion  46  so that it enters or is inserted through the post aperture  24  and into the hollow interior volume of the post sleeve  22 ′. Because a post aperture  24  is defined through both the top and bottom surfaces of the post sleeve  22 ′, as the bottom post connector  18  is moved over the height of the vertical post  12  the foot  50  is allowed to extend through or traverse the entire height of the post sleeve  22 ′ and exit through the opposing side as seen in  FIG.  10 B , thereby allowing the bottom post connector  18  to then move over the bottom coupling portion  46 . As the bottom post connector  18  is further pushed or moved upward over the bottom coupling portion  46 , the male frictional engagement member  44  disposed on the body  36  of the vertical post  12  is inserted or moves into the female frictional engagement member  26  defined within the post sleeve  22 ′. The male frictional engagement member  44  is nested within the female frictional engagement member  26  so that an entirety of an internal surface of the female frictional engagement member  26  is in physical contact with a corresponding outside surface of the male frictional engagement member  44 . At the same time the male frictional engagement member  44  is inserted into the female frictional engagement member  26 , a top portion or edge of the post sleeve  22 ′ makes contact with the stop  42  disposed between the body  36  and the bottom coupling portion  46 . After making contact with the male frictional engagement member  44  and the stop  42 , all further upward movement of the post sleeve  22 ′ and thus the bottom post connector  18  as a whole relative to the vertical post  12  is prevented. Each post sleeve  22 ′ of the bottom post connector  18  may be coupled to a vertical post  12  individually, or the post sleeves  22 ′ may be coupled to two different vertical posts  12  simultaneously, thereby helping form one lateral side of the shelving system  10  as seen in  FIG.  10 B . 
     It is important to note that the frictional engagement between the vertical posts  12  and both the top post connector  16  and the bottom post connector  18  is a key aspect in maintaining the overall structural integrity of the shelving system  10 , particularly with regard to withstanding applied horizontal or shear forces. Specifically, as best seen in  FIGS.  7  and  8    and as discussed above, both the male frictional engagement member  44  and the correspondingly shaped female frictional engagement member  26  each comprise substantially circular shapes or otherwise comprise at least one surface which is rounded, curved, or containing at least one segment defined by an arc. By having correspondingly shaped or mirror-image curved surfaces between the male and female frictional engagement members  44 ,  26 , the amount of surface contact between the male and female frictional engagement members  44 ,  26  is increased relative to what would be possible employing a straight or angled contact surface. A large amount of surface contact in turn leads to a large amount of friction between the male and female frictional engagement members  44 ,  26  which helps keep the top and bottom post connectors  16 ,  18  firmly coupled to their respective positions along each vertical post  12 . 
     Additionally, because the male and female frictional engagement members  44 ,  26  form a substantially concentric configuration when coupled together, any shear forces applied or exerted to any portion of the shelving system  10  is met with a radial reactive force which opposes the applied shear force in both direction and magnitude. For example, if a shear force F S  as seen in  FIG.  9    is applied to the shelving system  10  in the direction shown, a reaction force F R  of equal magnitude but of opposing orientation will emanate from the surface contact between the male and female frictional engagement members  44 ,  26 . As well understood, the reaction force F R  helps counteract or resist any acceleration resulting from the applied shear force F S , thereby helping the shelving system  10  as a whole maintain a relatively stable support structure for any items stored within the shelving system  10 . The substantially concentric configuration formed by the male and female frictional engagement members  44 ,  26  ensures that a corresponding radial reaction force F R  is generated by the shelving system  10  regardless of the direction or orientation of the applied or incoming shear force F S . 
     Detail of how the plurality of traverses  14  are coupled to one or more vertical posts  12  may be seen by turning to  FIGS.  11 - 12 C . Each traverse  14  comprises a substantially rectangular or parallelepiped shaped body  52  which is comprised of pultruded plastic or plastic composites. Disposed or coupled to either lateral end of the body  52  is a traverse end piece  54 . Each traverse end piece  54  may be coupled to a traverse  14  or alternatively, may be integrally formed with the traverse  14  to form one solid component. In turn, each vertical post  12  comprises a plurality of traverse coupling positions  34  which each comprise a first male component  56  and a second male component  58 , the second male component  58  being adjacently disposed in close proximity and at the same vertical position as the first male component  56  along the vertical post  12 . Each of the traverse coupling positions  34  represents a height along the vertical post  12  at which a traverse  14  may be coupled or disposed, thereby providing a platform or means for accommodating items or goods at that specified height within the shelving system  10  as a whole. 
     As seen in greater detail in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 C , both the first male component  56  and the second male component  58  comprise a substantially tapered or dove-tailed width while having a substantially rectangular or block-shaped depth as best seen in  FIG.  5 A . The first and second male components  56 ,  58  specifically comprise a first width at a top or proximal portion which widens or enlarges along the vertical height of the first and second male components  56 ,  58  so that a maximum second width is obtained at a bottom or distal portion of each of the first and second male components  56 ,  58 , the second width being larger or wider than the first width. In contrast, each first and second male components  56 ,  58  comprises a depth which is consistent along its entire height, thereby providing a substantially straight or rectangular shaped profile best seen in  FIG.  5 A . The first male component  56  and the second male component  58  further comprise asymmetric configurations or shapes so that an outside edge of each of the first and second male components  56 ,  58  remains straight throughout their respective heights, while their corresponding inside edges, namely the edges which are closest to the center of the vertical post  12 , flare out or gradually widen when moving from the top or proximal portion of the first and second male components  56 ,  58  to their respective bottom or distal portions. Furthermore, as best seen in  FIG.  12 C , the first and second male components  56 ,  58  are inversely oriented relative to one another so as to form a substantial mirror-image configuration. In other words, the tapered inside edges of the first and second male components  56 ,  58  forming each traverse coupling position  34  are oriented so as to be facing one another and thereby form a substantial “V” shape within the negative space disposed between the first and second male components  56 ,  58 . 
     In order to couple a traverse  14  to a vertical post  12 , a user first brings a traverse end piece  54  to a selected traverse coupling position  34  that is disposed at the desired height along the vertical post  12  at which the user wishes to provide a shelf within the overall shelving system  10 . The user then slides a collar  60  portion of the traverse end piece  54  down onto either the first or second male components  56 ,  58  forming the traverse coupling position  34 , depending upon which side of the vertical post  12  the user wishes to couple the traverse  14  to. The collar  60  comprises a female aperture  62  defined in its inner facing surface so that as the collar  60  is being slid over the first or second male component  56 ,  58 , the male component  56 ,  58  is inserted into the female aperture  62 , thereby joining the traverse  14  to the vertical post  12 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the female aperture  62  comprises a substantially tapered or dove-tailed shape which is similar to the tapered shape of the first and second male components  56 ,  58 . Specifically, the female aperture  62  specifically comprises a first width at a top or proximal portion which widens or enlarges along the vertical height of the female aperture  62  so that a maximum second width is obtained at a bottom or distal portion of the female aperture  62 , the second width being larger or wider than the first width. In the embodiment of the traverse end piece  54  seen in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 C  where the collar  60  is coupled to one of the plurality of second male components  58 , the female aperture  62  is defined so as to specifically accommodate or envelope the second male component  58 . In a related embodiment of the traverse end piece  54  seen in  FIG.  12 B  where the collar  60  is coupled to one of the plurality of first male components  56 , the female aperture  62  is in turn defined so as to specifically accommodate or envelope the first male component  56 . It is therefore contemplated that a single traverse  14  which comprises a traverse end piece  54  disposed at either end may be so configured so as to specifically comprise collars  60  which have female apertures  62  defined therein that are capable of coupling to a first male component  56  of a first vertical post  12  and to a second male component  58  of a separate, adjacent vertical post  12  as seen in  FIG.  11   . 
     It is important to point out that due the substantially dove-tailed shapes of both the female aperture  62  of the collar  60  and the first and second male components  56 ,  58  of the traverse end piece  54 , the further the female aperture  62  is slid distally downward over the first and second male components  56 ,  58 , the more force that is created and directed toward the center of the vertical post  12 . In other words, because the female apertures  62  and the first and second male components  56 ,  58  comprise a dove-tailed width along their length, as the female aperture  62  and the male component  56 ,  58  are brought together, a static force is created which pushes the collar  60  into the vertical post  12 . As more weight is added to the traverse  14 , either directly or indirectly through a shelf or shelf-plate disposed on the traverse  14 , the larger the static force becomes which in turn further pushes the collar  60  into the vertical post  12 . The post  12  in turn responds with a reactionary force that pushes the collar  60  in the opposite direction to that of the inward force created by the load placed on the traverse  14 , thus maintaining static equilibrium between the traverse  14  and vertical post  12 . The combination of the force distribution scheme provided by the dove-tailed shaped components with the strength provided by the traverses  14  and posts  12  fabricated by pultrusion allows for large load amounts to be placed on the traverses  14  and thus by extension, on the entire shelving system  10  as a whole without the fear of structural failure. 
     Once the collar  60  of the traverse end piece  54  is fully slid down about the male components  56 ,  58  until a top portion of the selected male component  56 ,  58  makes contact with a top surface of the female aperture  62 , a maximum force is created that squeezes the collar  50  tightly to the vertical post  12  and thus eliminates any need for any further coupling means. The same coupling process described above is then repeated for the opposing end of traverse  14  thus leaving the traverse  14  firmly in place laterally between two primary posts  12  on either side of the shelving system  10  as seen in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C and  11   . 
     To remove or decouple the traverse  14  from the post  12 , the user pushes up on the traverse  14  and the traverse end piece  54 . In doing so, the collar  60  of the traverse end piece  54  moves vertically up the male component  56 ,  58  on which it is disposed. The female aperture  62  slides vertically up the male component  56 ,  58 , decreasing the amount of force applied to the vertical post  12  by the collar  60  along the way. Once the female aperture  62  is clear of the male component  56 ,  58 , the user is then free to remove one or both of the traverse end pieces  54  from the vertical post  12 . The user may simply remove the traverse  14  from the shelving system  10  completely, or alternatively insert each of the traverse end pieces  54  into a new pair of corresponding traverse coupling positions  34  and repeat the process described above. 
     An alternative embodiment of the shelving system  100  may be seen by turning to  FIGS.  14 - 23 B  which shows a shelving system  100  with an alternative configuration and coupling means between a plurality of vertical uprights or posts  112 , at least two top or upper fasteners or connectors  116 , at least two bottom or lower fasteners or connectors  118 , and a plurality of shelf supports or traverses  114 . As with the prior embodiment, each of the top or upper connectors  116  are coupled to an upper end or top portion of at least two adjacently disposed vertical uprights or posts  112 . Similarly, coupled to a bottom portion or lower end of at least two adjacently disposed vertical uprights or posts  112  is a bottom or lower connector  118 . The at least two top or upper connectors  116  and the at least two bottom or lower connectors  118  are oriented perpendicularly relative to the plurality of shelf supports or traverses  14  as best seen in the perspective view of the shelving system  100  in  FIG.  14 A . Additionally, both the top or upper connectors  16  and bottom or lower connectors  18  are preferably comprised of injection molded plastic or plastic composites. 
     Greater detail of the top or upper connectors  116  may be seen in  FIGS.  15 A and  15 B . Each top or upper fastener or connector  116  comprises a substantially longitudinal bridge or crosspiece  120  with a substantially cuboidal or rectangular end piece or cap  122  disposed on either lateral end of the bridge or crosspiece  120 . Each end piece or cap  122  comprises an opening or aperture  124  which is defined in its bottom surface and exposes its hollow interior. The cap  122  thereby forms a shell or covering so that a top portion or end of a vertical upright or post  112  may be accommodated or nested therein by being disposed or inserted into the internal hollow volume of the end piece or cap  122  through the opening or aperture  124  as is detailed further below. 
       FIGS.  16 A and  16 B  show greater detail of the bottom or lower connectors  118 . Like the top or upper connector  116  discussed above, each bottom or lower connector  118  comprises a substantially longitudinal bridge or crosspiece  120  with a substantially cuboidal or rectangular collar or sleeve  122 ′ disposed on either lateral end of the crosspiece  120 . Each collar or sleeve  122 ′ comprises an opening or aperture  124 ′ which is defined through its vertical height, thereby forming a shell or hollow volume so that the bottom portion or lower end of a vertical upright or post  112  may be accommodated, disposed, or inserted therein by aligning the internal volume of the collar or sleeve  122 ′ with the vertical upright or post  112  as is detailed further below. 
     Each end piece or cap  122  and each collar or sleeve  122 ′ comprises a cutout or female key  126  defined in at least one edge or surface of each respective end piece or cap  122  and each collar or sleeve  122 ′. Specifically, as best seen in the bottom view of the top or upper connector  116  of  FIG.  15 B  and the perspective view of the bottom or lower connector  118  of  FIG.  16 A , the cutout or female key  126  is defined in at least one edge or surface of the end piece or cap  122  and the collar or sleeve  122 ′ so as to form an asymmetrical bottom footprint, respectively.  FIGS.  15 A and  16 A  further specify that the cutout or female key  126  is defined at or approximate to the bottom of a front or outward facing surface of both the end piece or cap  122  and the collar or sleeve  122 ′. Additionally, the cutout or female key  126  is substantially centrally or symmetrically defined along a vertical axis of both the front or outward facing surface of the end piece or cap  122  and of the front surface or outward facing surface of the collar or sleeve  122 ′. 
     The cutout or female key  126  is seen in  FIGS.  15 A and  16 A  as being substantially oblong in shape or rectangular with semi-circular ends, however it is to be expressly understood that other shapes, sizes, or configurations may be used without departing from the original spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the cutout or female key  126  may comprise any shape which is capable or configured to frictionally engage another component inserted into it over a majority of its inner surface as defined within the respective front surfaces of the end piece or cap  122  and the collar or sleeve  122 ′. Such shapes or configurations include but are not limited to triangular, rectangular or parallelepiped, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal. Additionally, while the cutout or female key  126  is seen in  FIGS.  15 A and  16 A  as a hole or aperture defined through the front surface, it is to be expressly understood that the cutout or female key  126  may comprise an additional surface or contact point beyond what is provided by the edge or thickness of the front surface itself. For example, the cutout or female key  126  may comprise a hood, ridge, or other projection or extension which extends out in a perpendicular direction relative to the vertical oriented front surface so that a contact point or frictional surface is formed other than at the position or vertical plane shared by the front surface itself. 
     Greater detail of the vertical uprights or posts  112  may be had by turning to  FIGS.  17 A- 17 E . As seen in  FIGS.  17 A and  17 B , each vertical upright or post  112  comprises an elongated form or body  132  with a substantially square or rectangular cross section formed by four sides, namely two smooth or flat sides  136 , a rear or outer side  134 , and a notched or inner side  138  which comprises a plurality of coupling positions disposed along its corresponding height. As best seen in  FIG.  17 B , each of the smooth or flat sides  136  are disposed parallel to each other while the rear or outer side  134  and the notched or inner side  138  are in turn disposed parallel to each other, the parallel rear or outer side  134  and notched or inner side  138  being disposed orthogonal or perpendicular to the parallel pair of smooth or flat sides  136 . 
     The notched or inner side  138  and the rear or outer side  134  of each vertical upright or post  12  may be seen in  FIGS.  17 D and  17 E , respectively. In  FIGS.  17 D and  17 E , it can be seen that both the notched or inner side  138  and the rear or outer side  134  of each vertical post  12  comprises a vertically oriented set of parallel rails or protrusions  140  which extend throughout the height of the form or body  132  of each upright or post  112 . As seen in the top down view of  FIG.  17 B , each rail or protrusion  140  extends the cross sectional area or footprint of the upright or post  112  at each of its four corners so as to form a substantially double ‘I’ or ‘H’ beam shape. A plurality of gaps or notches  142  are defined throughout the height of each rail or protrusion  140  disposed on the notched or inner side  138  of each upright or post  112  while the rails or protrusions  140  disposed on the opposing smooth or flat side  136  are solid and continuous. In other words, the rails or protrusions  140  disposed on the notched or inner side  138  comprise a plurality of symmetrical gaps or notches  142  defined therein while the rails or protrusions  140  disposed on the smooth or flat side  136  provide a solid surface that remain gap or notch free throughout their entire respective heights. The gaps or notches  142  are defined in a symmetrical pattern through the heights of the rails or protrusions  140  disposed on the notched or inner side  138  with each gap or notch  142  forming a substantially lateral parallel pair of gaps or notches  142  disposed across the parallel rails or protrusions  140 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  18 A- 18 D and  19 A- 19 C , the frictional coupling or engagement between a top or upper connector  16  and a vertical upright or post  12  may be seen. First, a cap or sleeve insert  144  best seen in  FIGS.  19 A and  19 B  is coupled to the upright or post  112 . The cap or sleeve insert  144  is composed of plastic or plastic composite and is substantially trapezoidal or tapered in shape, specifically with a smaller, narrower top portion and a larger, wider bottom portion. The back or rear wall  156  of the cap or sleeve insert  144  as best seen in  FIG.  19 C  comprises a seam or is comprised of a slightly thinner surface relative to the remaining portions of the cap or sleeve insert  144  so as to increase the overall flexibility or bendability of the back or rear wall  156 . The front or forward wall  154  of the cap or sleeve insert  144  comprises a recessed frontal opening or split  150  defined along the entire height of the cap or sleeve insert  144 . As seen in  FIGS.  19 A- 19 C , the frontal opening or split  150  effectively divides or bifurcates the front or forward wall  154  into two substantially equal halves or parts. Also disposed on the front or forward wall  154  is a pair of mirror image catches or tabs, specifically a left catch or tab  146  and a right catch or tab  148 . The left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  are substantially mirror image shaped in that the left catch or tab  146  comprises a left-oriented semi-hemispherical shape, while the right catch or tab  148  comprises a right-oriented semi-hemispherical shape, with the opposing flat edges or surfaces of each of the left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  facing one another. As best shown in  FIG.  19 A , the cap or sleeve insert  144  is substantially hollow with an internal volume or vacancy defined throughout its corresponding vertical height with an opening or aperture  152  defined at either end of the cap or sleeve insert  144 . The cap or sleeve insert  144  is coupled to an upright or post  112  by bringing the cap or sleeve insert  144  into close proximity of the upright or post  112  with the front or forward wall  154  of the cap or sleeve insert  144  facing or oriented towards the notched or inner side  138  of the upright or post  112 . The catches or tabs  146 ,  148  are then pulled apart or separated by pulling the catches or tabs  146 ,  148  away from each other, thereby increasing the size of the frontal opening or split  150  and simultaneously bending or folding the back or rear wall  156 . The cap or sleeve insert  144  is then disposed around the circumference of the upright or post  112  with the form or body  132  of the upright or post  112  passing through the expanded frontal opening or split  150 . The cap or sleeve insert  144  is then relaxed which in turn brings the left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  back together and closes the frontal opening or split  150  about the upright or post  112 . Once coupled to the upright or post  112 , the front or forward wall  154  of the cap or sleeve insert  144  is then disposed over and in front of the rear or outer side  134  of the upright or post  112 . 
     Next, the top or upper connector  116  is disposed over the top of both the cap or sleeve insert  114  and the top portion of the upright or post  112 , specifically with the opening or aperture  124  defined in the bottom surface of the end piece or cap  122  aligned or disposed directly over the cap or sleeve insert  144  coupled to the upright or post  112 . The end piece or cap  122  is brought vertically downward over the top of the cap or sleeve insert  144  so that it enters or is inserted through the opening or aperture  124  and into the hollow interior volume of the end piece or cap  122 . As the top or upper connector  116  is pushed downward, the left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  disposed on the cap or sleeve insert  144  are inserted or move into the cutout or female key  126  defined within the end piece or cap  122 . The left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  are nested within the cutout or female key  126  so that the entirety of both semi-hemispherical surfaces of the left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  are in contact with a corresponding inner surface of the cutout or female key  126 . At the same time the left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  are inserted into the cutout or female key  126 , an internal surface of the end piece or cap  122  makes increasingly direct contact with the outside surfaces of the cap or sleeve insert  144  due to the substantially tapered shape of the cap or sleeve insert  144 . In other words, the more the end piece or cap  122  is pushed downward over the cap or sleeve insert  144 , the tighter or closer the coupling between the end piece or cap  122  and the cap or sleeve insert  144 . After making contact with the cap or sleeve insert  144 , all further downward movement of the end piece or cap  122  and thus the top or upper connector  116  as a whole relative to the upright or post  112  is prevented. Each end piece or cap  122  of the top or upper connector  116  may be coupled to an upright or post  112  individually, or multiple end pieces or caps  122  may be coupled to two different uprights or posts  112  simultaneously, thereby helping form one lateral side of the shelving system  100  as seen in  FIG.  14 A . 
     A similar procedure but in reverse sequence may be performed in order to couple a bottom or lower connector  118  to an upright or post  112  as seen in  FIGS.  18 A and  18 C . Specifically, a bottom or lower connector  118  is disposed over the bottom end or edge of an upright or post  112  by inserting or threading the bottom end of the upright or post  112  through the pair of openings or apertures  124 ′ defined in the top and bottom surfaces of the collar or sleeve  122 ′ disposed on the bottom or lower connector  118 . The bottom or lower connector  118  is then brought upward relative to the upright or post  112  with the form or body  132  of the upright or post  112  passing through the hollow interior of the collar or sleeve  122 ′. The bottom or lower connector  118  is initially brought upwards past or beyond the vertical position which the user wishes to couple the bottom or lower connector  118  to the upright or post  112 . 
     Next, a cap or sleeve insert  144  is then coupled to the upright or post  112  at the vertical position where the bottom or lower connector  118  is to be coupled by bringing the cap or sleeve insert  144  into close proximity of a lower or bottom portion of the upright or post  112  with the front or forward wall  154  of the cap or sleeve insert  144  initially facing or oriented towards the notched or inner side  138  of the upright or post  112 . The catches or tabs  146 ,  148  are then pulled apart or separated by pulling the catches or tabs  146 ,  148  away from each other, thereby increasing the size of the frontal opening or split  150  and simultaneously bending or folding the back or rear wall  156 . The cap or sleeve insert  144  is then disposed around the circumference of the upright or post  112  with the form or body  132  of the upright or post  112  passing through the expanded frontal opening or split  150 . The cap or sleeve insert  144  is then relaxed which in turn brings the left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  back together and closes the frontal opening or split  150  about the upright or post  112 . Once coupled to the upright or post  112 , the front or forward wall  154  of the cap or sleeve insert  144  is then disposed over and in front of the rear or outer side  134  of the upright or post  112 . 
     Once the cap or sleeve insert  144  is coupled at the desired position, the bottom or lower connector  118  is then disposed over the cap or sleeve insert  144 . Specifically, the collar or sleeve  122 ′ is brought vertically downward over the top of the cap or sleeve insert  144  so that it enters or is inserted through the opening or aperture  124 ′ and into the hollow interior volume of the collar or sleeve  122 ′. As the bottom or lower connector  118  is pushed downward, the left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  disposed on the cap or sleeve insert  144  is inserted or moves into the cutout or female key  126  defined within the collar or sleeve  122 ′. The left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  are nested within the cutout or female key  126  so that the entirety of both semi-hemispherical surfaces of the left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  are in contact with a corresponding inner surface of the cutout or female key  126 . At the same time the left and right catches or tabs  146 ,  148  are inserted into the cutout or female key  126 , an internal surface of the collar or sleeve  122 ′ makes increasingly direct contact with the outside surfaces of the cap or sleeve insert  144  due to the substantially tapered shape of the cap or sleeve insert  144 . In other words, the more the collar or sleeve  122 ′ is pushed downward over the cap or sleeve insert  144 , the tighter or closer the coupling between the collar or sleeve  122 ′ and the cap or sleeve insert  144 . After making contact with the cap or sleeve insert  144 , all further relative movement of the collar or sleeve  122 ′ and thus the bottom or lower connector  118  as a whole relative to the upright or post  112  is prevented. Each collar or sleeve  122 ′ of the top or upper connector  116  may be coupled to an upright or post  112  individually, or multiple collars or sleeves  122 ′ may be coupled to two different uprights or posts  112  simultaneously, thereby helping form one lateral side of the shelving system  100  as seen in  FIG.  14 A . Like with the coupling between the top or upper connector  116  and a cap or sleeve insert  144  discussed above, the coupling between the bottom or lower connector  118  and a cap or sleeve insert  144  provides a means for resisting applied shear forces. 
     The shelf supports or traverses  114  are coupled to the vertical uprights or posts  12  by means of a plurality of removable fixtures or female brackets  160 ,  160 ′ shown in greater detail in  FIGS.  20 A- 21 E , and a corresponding plurality of matching traverse coupling portions or male brackets  162 , shown in greater detail in  FIGS.  22 A and  22 B . 
     The plurality of fixtures or female brackets comprise either a left configuration or orientation  160  seen in  FIGS.  20 A- 20 D , or a right configuration or orientation shown  160 ′ in  FIGS.  21 A- 21 E . Each left and right configuration of the fixtures or female brackets  160 ,  160 ′ comprises a seat or base  162  disposed on a lower part of a vertical portion or wall  168 . The seat or base  162  comprises a raised portion or corner  164  disposed on a corresponding side, namely with the raised portion or corner  164  disposed on the left facing side of the seat or base  162  of the left oriented fixture or female bracket  160  seen in  FIG.  20 B , while the raised portion or corner  164  is disposed on the right facing side of the seat or base  162  of the right oriented fixture or female bracket  160 ′ seen in  FIG.  21 A . Defined between the seat or base  162  and the vertical portion or wall  168  of each left and right oriented fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ is a trough or pocket  170 . As best seen in  FIG.  20 A , the trough or pocket  170  is a void or negative space defined around three sides of the vertical portion or wall  168 , namely the left facing side, the front facing side, and the right facing side. Each left and right oriented fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ also comprises a substantially tapered or dove tailed male component or edge  166  that is disposed on the left or right facing side of the fixtures or female brackets  160 ,  160 ′, respectively. Each male component or edge  166  is substantially tapered or dove tailed shape along its height, specifically with a relatively narrow or thin width at a top portion of the male component or edge  166  which gradually widens along its height until making contact with the seat or base  162 . The widest or thickest portion of the male component or edge  166  is coupled or formed into the bottom surface of the trough or pocket  170 . Both the left and right oriented fixtures or female brackets  160 ,  160 ′ are comprised of injected molded plastic. 
     Turning now to the back or rear side of the left and right oriented fixtures or female brackets  160 ,  160 ′ as seen in  FIGS.  20 C- 20 D  and  FIGS.  21 D- 21 E , respectively, it can be seen that both fixtures or female brackets  160 ,  160 ′ comprise a substantially “L” shaped hook or rail connector  172  when viewed from above. The hook or rail connector  172  of the left oriented fixture or female bracket  160  is disposed on the left facing side, while the hook or rail connector  172  of the right oriented fixture or female bracket  160 ′ is disposed on the right facing side. Disposed on the side or edge opposing the hook or rail connector  172  of each fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ is an extended edge or brace  174 . The hook or rail connector  172 , the extended edge or brace  174 , and the rear surface of the vertical portion or wall  168  cooperate to form a substantially rectangular shaped space or post aperture  176  on three sides with an open face or side free to accommodate the width of an upright or post  112  as detailed further below. 
     Each hook or rail connector  172  is bent around on itself behind the vertical portion or wall  168  so as to form a substantial “L” shape when viewed from above. Each hook or rail connector  172  is further disposed on the backside of each left and right oriented fixtures or female brackets  160 ,  160 ′ throughout its entire height. Disposed within an inside or inner surface of each hook or rail connector  172  is a peg or tab  178  as best seen in the cross sectional view of  FIG.  21 E . The peg or tab  178  is preferably disposed in the top portion or at a top edge of the hook or rail connector  172 , specifically at or near the very top edge of the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ itself. 
     Turning to the shelf supports or traverses  114  seen in  FIGS.  22 A and  22 B , each shelf support or traverse  114  comprises a substantially rectangular or parallelepiped shaped form or body  180  which is comprised of pultruded plastic or plastic composites. Disposed or coupled to either lateral end of the form or body  180  is a male bracket or traverse end piece, specifically either a left oriented or configured male bracket or traverse end piece  182 , or a right oriented or configured male bracket or traverse end piece  182 ′. Each male bracket or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ may be coupled to a shelf support or traverse  114  or alternatively, may be integrally formed with the shelf support or traverse  114  to form one solid component. Each male bracket or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ comprises a substantially flat or vertical front surface or face  184  disposed between a curve or smooth rail connector  186  and an engagement portion or bracket aperture  188 . The left oriented male coupling or traverse end piece  182  is defined by the curve or smooth rail connector  186  being disposed on the left hand side of the male coupling or traverse end piece  182  and the engagement portion or bracket aperture  188  being disposed on the right hand side of the male coupling or traverse end piece  182  when viewed from the front. Conversely, the right oriented male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ′ is defined by the curve or smooth rail connector  186  being disposed on the right hand side of the male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ′ and the engagement portion or bracket aperture  188  being disposed on the left hand side of the male coupling or traverse end piece  182  when viewing the front surface or face  184  from a frontal planar view. 
     In order to couple a shelf support or traverse  114  to a vertical upright or post  112 , a user first brings a fixture or female bracket  160  in proximity to an upright or post  112  and places the notched or inner side  138  of the upright or post  112  into the space or post aperture  176 , specifically with one of the rails or protrusions  140  disposed on the notched or inner side  138  nested or fitted within the negative space created by the hook or rail connector  172 . The user then inserts the peg or tab  178  disposed on the hook or rail connector  172  into one of the plurality of gaps or notches  142  at the position or height the user wishes to couple the shelf support or traverse  114  to the upright or post  112 . 
     Next, the user then slides a male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ down onto a corresponding fixture or female bracket  160 ,  162 ′, specifically with a left oriented male coupling or traverse end piece  182  being slid down on a right oriented fixture or female bracket  160 ′, and a right oriented male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ′ being slid down on a left oriented fixture or female bracket  160 . In other words, each male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ is coupled to a fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ comprising an opposing orientation relative to its self. The front surface or face  184  of the male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ first makes contact with the vertical portion or wall  168  of the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ so that as the male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ is being slid over the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′, the engagement portion or bracket aperture  188  is inserted over the substantially dove-tailed shaped tapered surface or edge  166  while the curve or smooth rail connector  186  simultaneously accommodates both the extended edge or brace  174  and the rail or protrusion  140  disposed on the rear or outer side  134  of the upright or post  112 , thereby joining the shelf support or traverse  114  to the vertical upright or post  112 . 
     Due to the substantially dove-tailed shape of the tapered surface or edge  166  of the male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′, the further the engagement portion or bracket aperture  188  is slid distally downward over the tapered surface or edge  166 , the more force that is created and directed toward the center of the vertical upright or post  112 . In other words, because the tapered surface or edge  166  comprises a dove-tailed width along its height, as the male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ and the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ are brought together, a static force is created which pushes the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ into the vertical upright or post  112 . As more weight is added to the shelf support or traverse  114 , either directly or indirectly through a shelf or shelf-plate disposed on the upright or traverse  114 , the larger the static force becomes which in turn further pushes the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ into the vertical upright or post  112 . The upright or post  112  in turn responds with a reactionary force that pushes the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ in the opposite direction to that of the inward force created by the load placed on the shelf support or traverse  114 , thus maintaining static equilibrium between the shelf support or traverse  114  and the upright or post  112 . The combination of the force distribution scheme provided by the dove-tailed shaped tapered surface or edge  166  with the strength provided by the shelf supports or traverses  114  and uprights or posts  112  fabricated by pultrusion allows for large load amounts to be placed on the shelf supports or traverses  114  and thus by extension, on the entire shelving system  100  as a whole without the fear of structural failure. 
     The male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ continues to be slid down the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ until a bottom portion of male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ makes contact with and then is inserted into the trough or pocket  170  so as to form a tightly fitted or nested configuration as seen in  FIGS.  23 A and  23 B . Once the engagement portion or bracket aperture  188  of the male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ is fully slid down about the tapered surface or edge  166 , a maximum force is created that squeezes the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ tightly to the vertical upright or post  112  and thus eliminates any need for any further coupling means. The same coupling process described above is then repeated for the opposing end of the shelf support or traverse  114  thus leaving the shelf support or traverse  114  firmly in place laterally between two uprights or posts  112  on either side of the shelving system  100  as seen in  FIGS.  14  and  18 A- 18 C . 
     To remove or decouple a shelf support or traverse  114  from an upright or post  112 , the user pushes up on the shelf support or traverse  114  and the male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′. In doing so, the engagement portion or bracket aperture  188  moves vertically up the tapered surface or edge  166  on which it is disposed, thereby decreasing the amount of force applied to the vertical upright or post  112  by the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ along the way. Once the male coupling or traverse end piece  182 ,  182 ′ is clear of the corresponding fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′, the user is then free to remove the fixture or female bracket  160 ,  160 ′ from the vertical upright or post  112  by removing the peg or tab  178  from the gap or notch  142  it is disposed in. 
     Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following embodiments and its various embodiments. 
     Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. A teaching that two elements are combined in a claimed combination is further to be understood as also allowing for a claimed combination in which the two elements are not combined with each other, but may be used alone or combined in other combinations. The excision of any disclosed element of the embodiments is explicitly contemplated as within the scope of the embodiments. 
     The words used in this specification to describe the various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself. 
     The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
     The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments.