Pole connector assembly and method for racks and shelving

A pole assembly, comprising:

• a first pole section;
• a second pole section;
• a first one-piece unitary insert received within the first pole section;
• a second one-piece unitary insert received within the second pole section;
• each of the first and second inserts having:
• a base;
• at least one deflectable projection extending from the base;
• and
• an aperture defined in the base;
• and
• a fastener having opposite ends received within the apertures of the first and second inserts, the fastener adjustable in the apertures from a first position with respect to the base of each of the first and second inserts in which the at least one deflectable projection of each of the first and second inserts is deflected a first amount by the fastener to a second position with respect to the base of each of the first and second inserts in which the at least one deflectable projection is deflected by the fastener a second amount toward respective inner walls of the first and second pole sections, the second amount being greater than the first amount.

A method of assembling a pole, comprising:

• inserting a first insert into an end of a first pole section;
• inserting a fastener into an aperture in the first insert;
• deflecting a portion of the first insert located within the first pole section with the fastener responsive to insertion of the fastener into the aperture in the first insert;
• tightening the fastener in the aperture in the first insert by axially moving the fastener with respect to the portion of the first insert, the fastener further deflecting the portion of the first insert;
• engaging an inner surface of the first pole section with the portion of the first insert;
• and
• connecting the fastener to a second pole section.

A pole connector assembly for connecting two pole sections, the pole connector assembly comprising:

• an insert dimensioned to be received within an end of a first pole section, the insert having:
• a body having at least one portion being deflectable outwardly from the body;
• and
• an aperture defined in the body;
• and
• a fastener having one end engageable within the aperture, the fastener being adjustable in the aperture from a first axial position with respect to the at least one portion to a second axial position with respect to the at least one portion to directly deflect the at least one body portion toward an internal surface of the first pole section, and a second end coupled to a second pole section.