Patent Publication Number: US-2022225762-A1

Title: Customizable Shower Caddy

Description:
FIELD 
     The subject matter relates to organizational units and, more particularly, to vertical standing organizational units. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Shower caddies are often used in showers to provide organized shelving for personal hygiene products, such as shampoo, conditioner and soap. Common shower caddies include a rod or rods that extend from the shower basin to the ceiling and are fixed in position by applying pressure on the basin and the ceiling. The rods support shelves along their extent. The shelving is used to support personal hygiene products for easy access. 
     One known shortcoming of common shower caddies is that they are not adjustable such that they can be placed in either a corner, along a side wall, or in the center of the shower enclosure. Another known shortcoming is that the shelves tend to slide down the rods and their position along the rods needs to be reset. As a result, the amount of weight the shelves are able to hold is limited without increasing the tendency of the shelves to slide down the rods. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a customizable shower caddy shown in a first arrangement; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1  shown in a second arrangement; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational view of a main rod of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is an side elevational view of an insert of the main rod of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a top plan view of the insert of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side elevational view of a rod collar of the main rod of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of the rod collar of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-section view of a bottom end cap of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1  taken along  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 6B ; 
         FIG. 6B  is a top plan view of the bottom end cap of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a top plan view of a rubber pad of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-section of the rubber pad of  FIG. 7A  taken along line  7 B- 7 B of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a bottom plan view of the rubber pad of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a top plan view of an end cap seal of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a side elevational view of the end cap seal of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9A  is cross-section view of a secondary rod showing a partial cross-section of a lock assembly and an elevation view of a threaded insert for use for use with the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9B  is a side elevational view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9C  is a side elevational view of the lock ramp of the lock assembly of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9D  is a top plan view of a head of the lock ramp of  FIG. 9C ; 
         FIG. 9E  is a side view of an interior side of a male component and a female component of a secondary rod insert of the lock assembly of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9F  is a top plan view of the male component and female component of the secondary rod insert of  FIG. 9E ; 
         FIG. 9G  is a bottom perspective view of a lock sleeve of the lock assembly of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9H  is a bottom perspective view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9I  is a partial side elevational view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial, centrally taken cross-section view of an alternative lock assembly in an unlocked state for use with the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial, centrally taken cross-section view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 10  in a locked state; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective of the lock assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of a wedge shaft of the lock assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14A  is a bottom perspective view of a rod insert of the lock assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14B  is a side perspective view of a first component of the rod insert of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 14C  is a side perspective view of a second component of the rod insert of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a wedge of the lock assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-section view of the wedge of  FIG. 15  taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevational view of a connection insert of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 18A  is a cross-section view of a top end cap of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1  taken along line  18 A- 18 A of  FIG. 18B ; 
         FIG. 18B  is a bottom view of the top end cap of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-section view of an extension rod for use with the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 20A  is a cross-section view of an extension rod insert of the extension rod of  FIG. 19  taken along line  20 A- 20 A of  FIG. 20C ; 
         FIG. 20B  is a top plan view of the extension rod insert of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 20C  is a bottom view of the extension rod insert of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 21A  is a cross-section view of a barrel body of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1  taken along line  21 A- 21 A of  FIG. 21C ; 
         FIG. 21B  is a side view of the barrel body of  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 21C  is a top plan view of the barrel body of  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 21D  is a side elevation view of a top cap of the barrel body of  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 21E  is a top plan view of the top cap of  FIG. 21D ; 
         FIG. 21F  is a cross-section view of the top cap of  FIG. 21D  taken along line  21 F- 21 F of  FIG. 21E ; 
         FIG. 21G  is a side elevation view of a bottom cap of the barrel body of  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 21H  is a top plan view of the bottom cap of  FIG. 21G ; 
         FIG. 21I  is a cross-section view of the bottom cap of  FIG. 21G  taken along line  21 I- 21 I of  FIG. 21H ; 
         FIG. 21J  is a top plan view of a large wedge insert of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 21K  is a side elevation view of the large wedge insert of  FIG. 21J ; 
         FIG. 21L  is a top plan view of a small wedge insert of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 21M  is a side elevation view of the small wedge insert of  FIG. 21L ; 
         FIG. 22A  is a front view of a portion of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1  including a pair of baskets and a pair of shelves; 
         FIG. 22B  is a top perspective view of a portion of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 23A  is a top plan view of a frame of the basket of  FIG. 22A-B ; 
         FIG. 23B  is a front elevation view of the frame of  FIG. 23A ; 
         FIG. 23C  is an elevation view of an end portion of the frame of  FIG. 23A ; 
         FIG. 23D  is an elevation view of an end portion of the frame of  FIG. 23A ; 
         FIG. 24A  is a perspective view of a barrel frame support of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 24B  is a front elevation view of the barrel frame support of  FIG. 24A ; 
         FIG. 24C  is a cross-section view of the barrel frame support of  FIG. 24A  taken along line  24 C- 24 C of  FIG. 24B ; 
         FIG. 24C  is a top plan view of the barrel frame support of  FIG. 24A ; 
         FIG. 24D  is a side view of an upper wing of the barrel frame support of  FIG. 24A ; 
         FIG. 25A  is a perspective view of an end frame support of the basket of  FIGS. 22A-B ; 
         FIG. 25B  is a right-side elevation view of the end frame support of  FIG. 25A ; 
         FIG. 25C  is an elevation view the end frame support of  FIG. 25A ; 
         FIG. 26A  is a top plan view of a shelf of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 26B  is a cross-section view of the shelf of  FIG. 26A  taken along  26 B- 26 B of  FIG. 26A ; 
         FIG. 26C  is a side cross-section view of the shelf of  FIG. 26A  taken along  26 C- 26 C of  FIG. 26A ; 
         FIG. 26D  is a perspective view of the shelf of  FIG. 26A ; 
         FIG. 27A  is a top plan view of a small tray of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 27B  is a cross-section view of the small tray of  FIG. 27A  taken along line  27 B- 27 B of  FIG. 27A ; 
         FIG. 27C  is a cross-section view of the small tray of  FIG. 27A  taken along line  27 C- 27 C of  FIG. 27A ; 
         FIG. 28A  is a back elevation view of a razor hanger of the customizable shower caddy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 28B  is a cross-section view of the razor hanger of  FIG. 28A  taken along line  28 B- 28 B; 
         FIG. 28C  is a front elevation view of the razor hanger of  FIG. 28A ; 
         FIG. 29A  is a two-basket arrangement where the baskets are 180 degrees to one another; 
         FIG. 29B  is a four-basket arrangement where the baskets are 90 degrees to one another; 
         FIG. 29C  is a three-basket arrangement where the baskets are 90 degrees to one another; 
         FIG. 29D  is a two-basket arrangement where the baskets are 90 degrees to one another; 
         FIG. 30A  is a cross-section view of an alternative extension rod; 
         FIG. 30B  is a perspective view of a main rod connection insert of the alternative extension rod of  FIG. 30A ; 
         FIG. 30C  is an elevational view of the main rod connection insert of  FIG. 30B ; and 
         FIG. 30D  is a cross-section view of the main rod connection insert of  FIG. 30A  taken along line  30 D- 30 D of  FIG. 30C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is illustrated a customizable shower caddy  10 . The caddy  10 , for example, is adjustable so it can stand along a side wall  12  ( FIG. 1 ) of a shower enclosure  14  or in a corner  16  ( FIG. 2 ) of the shower enclosure  14 . The shower caddy  10  also can be adjusted to stand in the center of a shower enclosure  14 . 
     The shower caddy includes a main rod  18 , a secondary rod  20  and an optional secondary rod  22 . The assembled rods  18 ,  20  (and optionally rod  22 ) include a bottom end cap  24  and a top end cap  26  that engage a shower basin  28  and a ceiling  30 , respectively. Barrels  32  are adjustable along the rods  18 ,  20  (and optionally rod  22 ) to a preferred height. The barrels  32  support baskets  34  and shelves  36 . The caddy  10  is more stable due to fewer rod sections when compared to other caddies. The barrels  32  provided enhanced gripping so that the baskets  34  and shelves  36  may support more weight than other caddies. The rods  18 ,  20  and  22  may be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. The baskets  34  and shelves  36  may be made of metal, such as aluminum. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3-5B , the main rod  18  is fitted at one end with an insert  38  and at the other end with a rod collar  40 . The insert  38  and the rod collar  40  are press fitted into the main rod  18 . The insert  38  cooperates with the bottom end cap  24  for adjustment. The rod collar  40  seals an annular gap between the main rod  18  and the secondary rod  20 . By way of example only, the main rod  18  may have a length of 52 inches and a diameter of 1 inch. 
     The insert  38  is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a ribbed portion  42  for insertion into the main rod  18  and a threaded portion  44  that threads into the bottom end cap  24 . The ribbed portion  42  includes longitudinally extending ribs  46  equally spaced from one another. As illustrated, there may be six ribs. The ribs  46  engage an inner sidewall of the main rod  18  to provide a friction fit with the main rod  18 . A terminal end  48  of the ribbed portion  42  includes an annular chamfer  50  to assist in the insertion process. The threaded portion  44  includes right-hand threading  52 . The ribbed portion  42  and the threaded portion  44  are separated by an annular flange  54  that engages the end of the main rod  18  to limit insertion into the main rod  18  to only the length of the ribbed portion  42 . By way of example only, the insert  38  may have a length of 1.654 inches, the flange  54  may have an outer diameter of 1.010 inches, and the threading  52  may have an outer diameter of 0.830 inches. 
     The rod collar  40  has a generally cylindrical shape with a tubular body  56  and a terminal end  58  with an annular chamfer  60  and a step  62  that extends radially outward. The step  62  stops insertion of the rod collar  40  into the main rod  18  when the main rod  18  abuts step  62 . By way of example only, the step  62  may have an outer diameter of 1.0 inches, the tubular body  56  may have an outer diameter of 0.875 inches, and annular chamfer  60  may have a longitudinal length of 0.220 inches. The collar  40  may be made of plastic, such as polyproplylene. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6A-8B , the bottom end cap  24  has a bell-shaped body  64  with an upper portion  66  and a bottom portion  68 . An internal flange  70  includes internal threading  72  that mates with the external threading  52  of the insert  38  so that the main rod  18  and the bottom end cap  24  can be adjusted relative to one another. The adjustment may be used to put pressure on the shower basin  28  during installation of the shower caddy  10  or to release pressure on the shower basin  28  to uninstall the shower caddy  10 . The upper portion  66  defines a cylindrical passage  74  that receives the end of the main rod  18  that is fitted with the insert  38  with a slight clearance to allow rotation of the main rod  18  relative to the bottom end cap  24 . 
     A terminal end  76  of the bottom end cap  24  defines a recess  78 . The recess  78  may receive a rubber pad or the terminal end  76  may fit into a rubber pad  80 . The rubber pad  80  provides increased frictional engagement with the shower basin  28  to limit or prevent the shower caddy  10  from walking and/or sliding on the shower basin  28  during installation and provides a secure installation. The rubber pad  80  can be glued to the terminal end  76 . A bottom  81  of the rubber pad  80  includes radially extending channels  83  to enable water and/or air to escape during the installation process and after being installed. A top  85  of the rubber pad  80  includes a circular recess  87  that receives the terminal end  76  of the bottom end cap  24 . By way of example only, the rubber pad  80  may be 2.240 inches in diameter, the circular recess  87  may be 2.00 inches in diameter, and the thickness of the rubber pad  80  may be 0.275 inches. 
     An end cap seal  90  seals the clearance between the main rod  18  and the upper portion  66 . The end cap seal  90  includes a cylindrical body  92  defining a central passage  94  and a terminal end  96  with a chamfer  98  and a step  100 . The step  100  stops insertion of the seal  90  into the body  64  of the bottom end cap  24  when step  100  abuts the end the upper portion  66 . By way of example only, the end cap seal  90  may have a height of 0.407 inches and an inner diameter of 1.0 inch. The chamfer  98  at the step  100  may have a diameter of 1.291 inches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9A-91 , there is illustrated a lock assembly  102  to lock the position of the main rod  18  and the secondary rod  20  relative to one another at a desired combined length. For example, the secondary rod  20  is extended from the main rod  18  until the desired overall length is achieved, and then, the lock assembly  102  is activated to secure the main rod  18  and the secondary rod  20  together against any further longitudinal movement relative to one another. 
     The lock assembly  102  includes a lock ramp  104 , a secondary rod insert  106 , and a lock sleeve  108 . The lock ramp  104  and the secondary rod insert  106  may be molded from any rigid material, including a rigid plastic material. The lock sleeve  108  also may be molded from any rigid material, including plastic, but must be flexible enough to expand as it moves along the lock ramp  104  and provide a sufficient frictional engagement with an inner surface of the main rod  18  to secure the rods  18 ,  20  against relative movement. 
     The lock ramp  104  includes a frusto-conical wedge portion  110  at one end and a threaded portion  112  with a right-hand thread  114 . The wedge portion  110  includes a groove  116  extending longitudinally along the length of the wedge portion  110 . A head  118  is at the other end of the lock ramp  104  and includes a stop  120  (see  FIG. 9D ) at the other end. The longitudinal groove  116  guides longitudinal movement of the lock sleeve  108  along the wedge portion  110 . The stop  120  prevents rotation of the insert  106  relative to the threaded portion  112  of the lock ramp  104  so that the insert  106  does not overtighten against the head  118 . 
     The secondary rod insert  106  has a generally hollow cylindrical shape and includes a male component  122  and a female component  124 . When the male component  122  and the female component  124  are mated to form the insert  106 , the components  122 ,  124  define a passage  126  through the insert  106 . The insert  106  fits with a friction fit in one end of the secondary rod  20  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9A ). The insert  106  can further be captivated in the secondary rod  20  by one or more notches or detents formed in the inside wall of the secondary rod that penetrate the outer surface of the insert  106 . The engagement between the insert  106  and the secondary rod  20  prevents rotation of the insert  106  relative to the secondary rod  20 . 
     The male component  122  includes protrusions  128 , a first circumferential flange  130 , a second circumferential flange  132 , an annular groove  134  formed between the first circumferential flange  130  and the second circumferential flange  132 , a threaded portion  136  having left hand threads  138 , and exterior longitudinally extending ribs  140 , which aid in providing better friction fit between the insert  106  and the secondary rod  20 . 
     The female component  124  includes recesses  142 , a first circumferential flange  144 , a second circumferential flange  146 , an annular groove  148 , a threaded portion  150 , having left hand threads  152 , exterior longitudinally extending ribs  154 , which provide a friction fit between the insert  106  and the secondary rod  20 , and a stop  156 , which engages the stop  120  of the lock ramp  104  upon unlocking the lock assembly  102 . 
     The recesses  142  of the female component  124  receive the protrusions  128  of the male component  122 , such that the components  122 ,  124  may be combined to form the insert  106 . The protrusions  128  may have a friction fit in the recesses  142  or may be glued or welded in the recesses  142 . While four are shown, there may be less or additional protrusions  128  and recesses  142 . 
     The second circumferential flanges  132 ,  146  combine to form a single annular flange that extends about a perimeter of one end of the insert  106  for engaging an end of the secondary rod  20 , such as a bottom end  158  of the secondary rod  20  (see  FIG. 9A ) to prevent complete insertion therein. The left-hand threads  138 ,  152  combine to form a single thread, such that turning the insert  106  toward the user locks the assembly  102  and turning the insert  106  away from the user unlocks the assembly  102 . The thread  114  of the threaded portion  112  of the lock ramp  102  meshes with the combined threads  138 ,  152  of the insert  106 . 
     The first circumferential flanges  130 ,  144  combine to form a single annular flange. The lock sleeve  108  includes an annular groove  160  that receives the annular flange formed by the first circumferential flanges  130 ,  144  of the insert  106 . The lock sleeve  108  includes an interior flange  162  which is received in a single annular groove formed by the annular grooves  134 ,  148  of the insert  106 , thus connecting the insert  106  and the lock sleeve  108 . As the threaded portion  112  of the lock ramp  104  is turned into the insert  106 , the insert  106  moves closer to the wedge portion  110  of the lock ramp  104 . This causes the lock sleeve  108  to move along the wedge portion  110 , causing the lock sleeve to expand and thereby lock the rods  18 ,  20  against movement relative to one another. The expansion of the lock sleeve  108  is not to an extent that would cause the attachment between the lock sleeve  108  and the insert  106  to become disconnected. 
     The lock sleeve  108  has an elongated slot  164  along its entire axial length to form a split configuration. This enables the lock sleeve  108  to be expanded from a first state that allows relative movement of the rods  18 ,  20  to a second state to lock the rods  1 ,  20  against relative movement. The lock sleeve  108  includes a longitudinally extending rib  166  on its interior that is offset  180  degrees from the slot  164 . The lock sleeve  108  receives the wedge portion  110  of the lock ramp  104  with the rib  166  in the groove  116  of the lock ramp  104 . 
     The stop  156  is on the portion of the insert  106  facing the head  118  of the lock ramp  104 . The stop  156  is configured as a ramp with a stepped surface  168  and a ramped surface  170 . The stop  120  is on the head  118  of the lock ramp  104  at the end of the threaded portion  112 . More specifically, the stop  120  is formed by a radial flange  172  about a portion of the head  118 . The radial flange  172  may extend about  180  degrees around the head  118 . 
     The insert  106  and the threaded portion  112  of the lock ramp  104  reside in the secondary rod  20 , and when locking the main rod  18  and the secondary rod  20 , the stop  156  of the insert  106  disengages the stop  120  of the lock ramp  104 . If the locking assembly  102  is in the fully unlocked position, the radial flange  172  may slide along the ramped surface  170  during the first and/or additional twists of the threaded portion  112  in the locking direction so that the flange  172  does not get caught on the stop  156  as the stop  120  rotates away from the stop  156 . 
     When the user loosens the main rod  18  and the secondary rod  20  by rotating the secondary rod  20  counterclockwise thereby operating the threads  138 ,  152  of the insert  106 , the stop  156  of the insert  106  moves toward the head  118  of the lock ramp  104 . The insert  106  rotates until the stop  156  engages the stop  120  of the head  118 . The stops  120 ,  156  are rigid and prohibit further rotation of the insert  106  and the lock ramp  104  relative to one another. The relative circumferential location of the stop  120  and the lock ramp  104  may be positioned to leave a small gap  174  between the insert  106  and the head  118  when the insert  106  is rotated to its fully unlocked position. This ensures that the insert  106  and head  118  will not become stuck together and may resist or even prevent rotation in the locking direction. 
     Additional details of the lock assembly  102  are contained in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/297,357, filed Mar. 8, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10-16 , there is illustrated an alternative lock assembly  180  interconnecting the main rod  18  and the secondary rod  20 . The lock assembly  180  includes a wedge shaft  182 , a rod insert  184  and a wedge  186 . The rod insert  184  is attached to the secondary rod  20  and extends into the main rod  18 . Dimples  188  formed in the secondary rod  20  can bite into the rod insert  184  to hold the rod insert  184  against longitudinal and rotational movement relative to the secondary rod  20 . The wedge  186  is positioned in the main rod  18 , and the wedge shaft  186  operatively interconnects the rod insert  184  and the wedge  186 . 
     To secure the lock assembly  180 , the main and secondary rods  18 ,  20  may be turned in opposite directions which causes the wedge  186  to be tightly seated between the main rod  18  and the rod insert  184 . In situations where the bottom and top end caps  24 ,  26  are adjustable, additional inward force on the main and secondary outer rods  18 ,  20  caused by the end caps  24 ,  26  during their adjustment can cause the main and secondary rods  18 ,  20  to inadvertently adjust relative to one another.  FIG. 10  shows the lock assembly  180  in an unlocked state, and  FIG. 11  shows the lock assembly  180  in a locked state. With reference to  FIG. 11 , the lock assembly  180  provides an adjustment gap  190  that enables the lock assembly  180  to tighten even further when the end caps  24 ,  26  are adjusted. The adjustment gap  190  allows the wedge  186  to move further towards the rod insert  184  to provide an even tighter seating of the wedge  186  between the main rod  18  and the rod insert  184  to prevent unintentional shifting of the main and secondary rods  18 ,  20  relative to one another. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the wedge shaft  182  includes a stepped head portion  192 , a shaft  194  and threading  196  along at least a portion of the shaft  194 . The stepped head portion  192  includes a terminal disc end  198  that rotates in the wedge  186 . Immediately inward of the terminal disc end  198  is an annular flange  200  that moves the wedge  186  between the locked state and unlocked states ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The flange  200  includes an axially extending slot  202 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14A-C , the rod insert  184  may be a two part component with a first component  204  and a second component  206 . The two components  204 ,  206  are mirror images of one another except that the first component  204  may include a number of pegs  208  and the second component  206  may include a number of complimentary sockets  210  for receiving the pegs  208  to align the components  204 ,  206 . The rod insert  184  defines an internal passage  212  with a smooth portion  214  and a threaded portion  216 . 
     The wedge shaft  182  extends through the internal passage  212 , and the threading  196  of the wedge shaft  182  engages with the threaded portion  216  of the rod insert  204 . An outer surface  218  of the threaded portion  216  is cylindrical, and the outer surface  220  of the smooth portion  214  is conical. An annular step  222  transitions the cylindrical outer surface  218  with the conical outer surface  220 . The step  222  engages an end of the secondary rod  20  to limit insertion of the rod insert  204  into the secondary rod  20  beyond the cylindrical outer surface  218 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the wedge  186  has a split configuration with an axially extending gap  224  and a conical inner surface  236  and a cylindrical outer surface  238 . The wedge  186  defines a longitudinally extending passage  228  with an annular stop  230  at on end. Immediately adjacent the annular stop is an annular recess  232  that is intersected by an axially extending rib  234 . Then, just inward of the annular recess  232  is an annular conical surface  236 . The annular conical surface  236  slides against the outer conical surface  220  of the rod insert  184  when moving the wedge  186  between the locked and unlocked states. 
     The adjustment gap  190  of the lock assembly  180  is formed because the longitudinal length of the annular recess  232  of the wedge  186  is slightly larger than the thickness of the annular flange  200  of the wedge shaft  182 . In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the annular recess  232  may be 0.350 inches, and the thickness of the annular flange  200  may be 0.254 inches, creating an adjustment gap  190  of 0.096 inches. Overall, the adjustment gap  190  allows the compressive force to further move the rod insert  184  and the wedge  186  towards one another to increase the locking force of the lock assembly  180 . This prevents the rods  18 ,  20  from unintentionally slipping relative to one another. This assists users that may not be strong enough to initially set the lock assembly  180 . 
     More specifically, to set the lock assembly  180 , the rods  18 ,  20  are pulled apart to set the desired length. Once the length is set, at least one of the rods  18 ,  20  is turned relative to the other to activate the lock assembly  180 . For instance, the main rod  18  can be held stationary in one&#39;s left hand, while the secondary rod  20  can be turned with one&#39;s right hand towards the user&#39;s body. This causes the rod insert  184  to move closer towards the wedge  186  which prevents the wedge  186  from rotating because an outer surface  238  of the wedge  186  has a friction engagement with an inner surface  240  of the main rod  18 . Alternatively, instead of holding the main rod  18  stationary, it also can be turned with one&#39;s left hand away from one&#39;s body simultaneously with turning the secondary rod  20 . In either case, this will cause the rod insert  184  to turn and the threading  196  on the wedge shaft  182  to engage the threaded portion  216  of the rod insert  184 . This, in turn, will cause the annular flange  200  of the wedge shaft  182  to shift to the inner side of the annular recess  232  to draw the wedge  186  toward the rod insert  184 . The annular conical surface  236  of the wedge  186  will ride along the conical outer surface  220  of the rod insert  184 . This forces the wedge  186  to lodge with a tight friction fit between the main rod  18  and the rod insert  184  to prevent the rods  18 ,  20  from moving relative to one another. The longitudinally extending gap  224  along the wedge  186  will widen as the wedge  186  moves along the rod insert  184 . 
     The adjustment gap  190  will allow the use of adjustable end cap systems, such as assemblies  24 ,  26 , to further drive the wedge  186  onto the conical outer surface  220  of the rod insert  184  to provide further locking force. More specifically, as the adjustable end assemblies  24 ,  26  are activated by turning the rods  18 ,  20  together in the same direction, such as towards the user, the end assemblies  24 ,  26  extend from the rods  18 ,  20  and will apply a compressive force on the rods  18 ,  20 . This compressive force will cause the wedge  186  to automatically shift further along the conical outer surface  220  of the rod insert  184  to lodge even further between the main rod  18  and the rod insert  184  to provide an even tighter friction fit between the main rod  18  and the rod insert  184  to prevent the rods  18 ,  20  from moving relative to one another. 
     The rib  234  of the wedge  186  sits in the longitudinally extending gap  202  of the annular flange  200  of the wedge shaft  182 . This keys the wedge shaft  182  to the wedge  186  to prevent rotational movement between the two. 
     To undo the locking assembly  180 , the rods  18 ,  20  are turned in the direction opposite to the locking directions. In this operation, the annular flange  200  of the wedge shaft  182  engages the annular stop  230  at the other side of the annular recess  232  of the wedge  186  and drives the wedge  186  down the conical outer surface  220  of the rod insert  184 . 
     Additional details of the lock assembly  180  are contained in U.S. Application No. 62/880,483, filed Jul. 30, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 17 , an end of the secondary rod  20  opposite the lock assembly  106  (or  180 ) is fitted with a connection insert  242 . The connection insert  242  attaches to the top end cap  26  or the optional extension rod  22  (discussed later). The connection insert  242  includes an insert portion  246  and a threaded portion  248 . A terminal end  250  of the insert potion  246  is chamfered to aid with insertion into the secondary rod  20 . The insert portion  246  includes longitudinally extending ribs  252  that engage an inside surface  254  of the secondary rod  20  with a friction fit that prevents rotation of the connection insert  242  relative to the secondary rod  20  and unintentional removal of the connection insert  242  from the secondary rod  20 . The threaded portion  248  includes a left-hand thread  256 . A stop flange  258  disposed between the insert portion  246  and the threaded portion  248  engages the end of the secondary rod  20  to prevent insertion of the connection insert  242  beyond the insert portion  246 . 
     By way of example only, the secondary rod  20  may have a length of  52  inches and an outer diameter of 0.875 inches. The outside diameter of the threaded portion  248  of the connection insert  242  may be 0.875 inches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 18A-B , the top end cap  26  has a bell-shaped body  260  with an upper portion  262  and a lower portion  264  defining a hollow interior  265 . An internal flange  266  includes internal threading  268  that mates with the external threading  256  of the connection insert  242  so that the secondary rod  20  (or the optional extension rod  22 ) and the top end cap  26  can be adjusted relative to one another. The adjustment can be used to apply pressure on the ceiling  30  to install the shower caddy  10  or release pressure on the ceiling  30  to uninstall the shower caddy  10 . The lower portion  264  defines a cylindrical passage  270  that receives the end of the secondary rod  20  (or the optional extension rod  22 ) that is fitted with the connection insert  242  with a slight clearance to allow rotation of the secondary rod  20  (or the optional extension rod  22 ) relative to the top end cap  26 . By way of example only, the top end cap  26  may have a length of 2.479 inches and a maximum diameter of 2.0 inches. 
     A terminal end  272  of the top end cap  26  defines a recess  274 . The recess  274  receives a rubber pad or fits into the rubber pad  80  to provide increased frictional engagement with the ceiling  30 . This aids to prevent the shower caddy  10  from walking and/or sliding on the ceiling  30  of the shower caddy  10  during installation and provides a secure installation. The rubber pad  80  may have the same structure as and be secured to the end cap  26  as the rubber pad  80  described above. 
     An end cap seal, such as end cap seal  90 , may be fitted into the clearance between the secondary rod  20  (or the extension rod  22 ). The end cap seal  90  is not required at either the bottom end cap  24  or the top end cap  26  but can be used at either or both. 
     As show in  FIG. 19 , ends of the optional extension rod  22  are fitted with the connection insert  242  and an extension rod insert  276 . The connection inert  242  is the same as that described above and will not be described here again. The connection insert  242  fitted into the end of the optional extension rod  22  will mate with the top end cap  26 . The extension rod insert  276  is designed to mate with the connection insert  242  fitted into the end of the secondary rod  20 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20A-C , the extension rod insert  276  includes an insert portion  278  and a socket portion  280 . The insert portion  278  includes a terminal end  282  with a chamfer to aid in inserting the extension rod insert  276  into the end of the extension rod  22 . The insert portion  278  includes a cylindrical outer surface  283  with longitudinal ribs  284  extending from the outer surface  283 . The ribs  284  engage the inner surface of the extension rod  22  with a friction fit to prevent unintentional removal of the insert  276  from the extension rod  22  and unintentional rotation of the insert  276  relative to the extension rod  22 . An annular external step  286  is at the transition between the insert portion  278  and the socket portion  280 . The step  286  engages the end of the extension rod  22  to prevent insertion of the insert  276  into the end of the extension rod  22  beyond the insert portion  278 . 
     The socket portion  280  includes internal threads  288  that mate with the external threads  256  of the connection insert  242  this is fitted into the end of the secondary rod  20 . The socket portion  280  further includes an annular internal stop  290  that engages the stop flange  258  of the connection insert  242  to prevent over insertion of the threaded portion  248  of the connection insert  242  into the socket portion  280 . 
     By way of example only, the length of the extension rod insert  276  may be  2 . 087  inches, the length of the socket portion  280  may be  1 . 337  inches, the outer dimeter of the socket portion  280  may be  1 . 022  inches, and the inner diameter of the socket portion  280  may be 0.866 inches. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 21A-21L , the barrels  32  each include a barrel body  292  with a top end portion  294  and a bottom end portion  296 . The outside of the barrel body may have an hour-glass profile  298  or any other profile, such as a rectangular or cylindrical. The inside of the barrel body has a generally cylindrical profile  300 . 
     The top end portion  294  includes an inner annular smooth portion  306 , an interrupted threaded portion  308  and an annular landing  310  at the base of the interrupted threaded portion  308 . The interrupted threaded portion  308  may include four arcuate projections  316  with external threads that form a threading for a top cap  318 . The end portion  294  includes arcuate ledges  320  between the arcuate projections  316 . A recess  322  defined by the end portion  294  extends longitudinally inward from each ledge  320 . The ledges  320  and recesses  322  are used in mounting the baskets  34  and shelves  36 . Thus, the illustrated barrel  32  can support up to four baskets  34  and/or shelves  36 . The barrel can be scaled to support additional or less baskets and/or shelves. The bottom end portion  296  includes internal threading  324  that is used to mount a bottom cap  326 . 
     By way of example only, the barrel body  292  may have a combined length of 3.282 inches. The maximum outer diameter of the insert  302  may be 1.46 inches. 
     The top cap  318  includes an annular sidewall  328  defining longitudinal channels  330  on the outside for gripping and turning the top cap  318 . The inside of the sidewall defines internal threading  332  that cooperates with the threading on the arcuated threaded projections  316  to mount the top cap  318  and the barrel body  292 . The top cap  318  also includes a top portion  334  extending from the annular sidewall  328  and an annular bead  336  about its terminal end. 
     By way of example only, the top cap  318  may have a maximum height of 0.760 inches and a maximum diameter at the annular bead  336  of 1.54 inches. 
     The bottom cap  326  includes an annular sidewall  337  with an externally threaded portion  338  that cooperates with the internal threads  324  of the barrel body  292  to mount the bottom cap  326  to the barrel body  292 . The sidewall  337  also defines longitudinal channels  340  on the outside for gripping and turning the bottom cap  326 . The bottom cap  326  also includes a top portion  342  extending from the annular sidewall  337 . An annular bead  344  extends from the side wall  337  at a transition between the externally threaded portion  338  and the longitudinal channels  340 . The inside of bottom cap  326  includes a cylindrical segment  346  and a conical segment  348 . 
     By way of example only, the bottom cap  326  may have a maximum length of 1.102 inches and a maximum outer diameter at the annular bead  344  of 1.524 inches. The externally threaded portion  338  may have a length of 0.392 inches measured from the annular bead  344 . The cylindrical segment may have a diameter of 1.025 inches. The conical segment  348  may have an outward taper angle of 20.1 degrees and a maximum diameter of 1.146 inches at a terminal end. 
     Each barrel  32  is used with either a large wedge insert  350  or a small wedge insert  352 . The large wedge insert  350  is used to mount the barrel  32  to the main rod  18 , and the small wedge insert  352  is used to mount the barrel  32  to the secondary rod  20  or the optional rod  22 . The wedge inserts  350 ,  352  are disposed in a conical section  297  of the bottom end portion  296  of the barrel body  292  and the conical segment  348  of the bottom cap  326 . As the bottom cap  326  is threaded onto the barrel body  292 , the wedge inserts  350 ,  352  apply pressure to the main rod  18  or the secondary or optional rods  20 ,  22  to lock the barrel  32  in a desired position along the rods  18 ,  20 ,  22 . 
     The large wedge insert  350  includes an annular ring  354 . The ring  354  includes two ends  356  that define a gap  358  therebetween. The gap  358  allows the ring  354  to be tightened onto the main rod  18 . An inner surface  360  of the ring  354  is cylindrical, and an outer surface  362  forms a taper from a center apex  364  to terminal edges  366 . By way of example only, the large wedge insert  350  may have a height of 0.400 inches, an inner diameter of 0.5 inches and a maximum outer diameter of 0.580 at the apex  364 . The angle of taper for the outer surface  362  extending from the apex  364  to the terminal edges  366  may be 20.1 degrees. The wedge insert  350  may be made of nylon. 
     The small wedge insert  352  includes an annular ring  368 . The ring  368  includes two ends  370  that define a gap  372  therebetween. The gap  372  allows the ring  368  to be tightened onto the secondary rod  20  or the optional rod  22 . An inner surface  360  of the ring  354  is formed with arcuate teeth  374  that extend radially inward. The teeth  374  can bite into the secondary rod  20  or the optional rod  22  to lock the barrel  32  in place. An outer surface  376  of the ring  368  forms a taper from a center apex  378  to terminal edges  380 . 
     By way of example only, the small wedge insert  352  may have a height of 0.400 inches, an inner radius of 0.438 inches at the teeth  374 , an inner radius of 0.500 in between the teeth  374 , and an outer maximum radius of 0.580 at the apex  378 . The angle of taper for the outer surface  376  extending from the apex  378  to the terminal edges  380  may be 20.1 degrees. The wedge insert  352  may be made of nylon. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 22A and 22B , there is illustrated the main rod  18  with two barrels  32 , one holding a pair of baskets  34  and the other holding a pair of shelves  36 . Each basket  34  includes an upper frame  382  and a lower frame  384 . The frames  382 ,  384  are spaced from one another and interconnected to each other by a barrel frame support  386  and an end frame support  388 . The barrel frame support  386  mounts the basket  34  to the barrel  32  as discussed further below. A large tray  390  may be by the lower frame member  384  and/or the upper frame  382 , and a razor hanger  392  is suspended from the upper frame  382 . 
     The shelves  36  each include a frame  394 , a barrel support  396  and an arcuate frame support  398 . The barrel support  396  mounts the frame  394  to the barrel  32 . The arcuate frame  398  interconnects the frame  394  with the barrel support  396 . The single frame  394  may support the large tray  390 , another tray  391  or a small tray  400 . The small tray  400  also may be supported by the upper frame  382  or the lower frame  384  of the basket  36 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 23A-D , the upper frame  382  and the lower frame  384  are identical. The frames  382 ,  384  include a pair of opposed side members  402  interconnected by an end member  404 . The other end of the side members include angled members  406  that from a gap  408  therebetween. The end member  404  defines a pair of holes  410  for mounting to the end frame support  388 . The angled members includes a pair of holes  412  for mounting to the barrel frame support  386 . The frame of the shelf  36  can have the same structure as the frames  382 ,  384  of the basket  34 . 
     By way of example only, the frames  382 ,  384  may have a length of 7.583 inches, a width of 3.90 inches, a height of 0.400 inches. The material for the frames  382 ,  384  may be aluminum with a thickness of 0.075 inches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 24A-D , the barrel frame support  386  includes a pair of upper wings  414  and a pair of lower wings  416 . A spacer  418  interconnects the wings  414 ,  416 . The wings  414 ,  416  define a pair of holes  420 . The holes  420  are spaced and the wings  414 ,  416  and are angled so that the holes  420  align with the holes  412  of the angled members  406  of the upper and lower frames  382 ,  384 . Fasteners are used to connect the barrel frame support  386  to the frames  382 ,  384  using the holes  412 ,  420 . The fasteners may be rivets. The wings  414 ,  416  include a lower ledge  424  for the frames  382 ,  384 ,  394  to sit on when mounted to the barrel frame support  386 . The ledges  424  provide support for the frames  382 ,  384 ,  394 . Further, the upper wings  414  may include an upper ledge  426  that forms a channel  428  with the lower ledge  424 . 
     The hook  422  includes a lateral member  430  and a longitudinal member  432 . When engaged with the barrel body  292 , the lateral member  430  rests on the arcuate ledge  320 , and the longitudinal member  432  inserts into the recess  322 . The hook  422  enables the barrel frame support  386  to hang from the barrel  32  to support the basket  34  or shelf  36 . The spacer  418  includes an outer surface  434  that engages the hour-glass profile  298  of the barrel body  292  when the barrel frame support  386  is mounted to the barrel  32 . The channel  436  is formed by the spacer  418  and the lateral member  430  and the longitudinal member  432  of the hook  422 . The top cap  318  may be screwed on to the barrel body  292  to trap the hook between the top cap  318  and the barrel body  292  so that the hook  422  cannot be unintentionally removed from the barrel body  292 . 
     By way of example only, the barrel frame support  386  may have a height of  3 . 47  inches and wingspan of  2 . 7  inches at each pair of wings  414 ,  416 . The wings may be angled at 90 degrees to one another. The channel  436  may have a width of 0.146 inches. The hook  422  may be a length of 0.060 inches and an arcuate span of 48 degrees. The barrel frame support  386  may be made from aluminum with a thickness of 0.080 inches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 25A-C , the end frame support  388  includes mount portions  438  at each end of a central portion  440 . The central portion  440  may be hourglass shaped with rolled edges  439  for additional strength. The mount potions  438  include holes  442  spaced to align with the holes  410  of the end member  404  of the upper and lower frames  382 ,  384 . Fasteners extend through the holes  410 ,  442  to connect the end frame support  388  to the frames  382 ,  384 . The fasteners may be rivets. The mount portions  438  include lower ledges  450  on which the frames  382 ,  384  may sit and be supported. The mount portions  438  may include a second ledge  452  that forms a channel  454  with the other ledge  450 . 
     By way of example only, the end frame support  388  may be made from 0.08 inches thick aluminum. The end frame support may have a maximum width at the mount portions  438  of 0.80 inches and a length of 2.92 inches. 
     Regarding  FIGS. 26A-26D , there is illustrated a large tray  390 . The tray  390  includes an outer shape corresponding to the lower frame  384  or frame  394 . The tray  390  includes a flange  456  that traces its perimeter. The flange  456  rests on the lower frame  384  or frame  394  to be supported by the frames  384 ,  394 . The tray  390  includes side walls  458 , an end wall  460  and a pair of angled walls  462 . A recess  464  is centrally located in the flange  456  along the end wall  460 . Another recess  466  in the flange  456  is located along a second end wall  468  that connects the angled walls  462 . The tray  390  includes a bottom  470  consisting of a set of longitudinal ribs  472  defining longitudinal extending slots  474  and a pair of circular openings  476 . The slots  474  and openings  476  enable water to drain from the tray  390 . 
     By way of example only, the tray  390  may have a length of 7.58 inches, a width of 3.960 inches and a height of 0.520 inches. The tray  390  may be made from plastic. 
     Regarding  FIGS. 27A-27C , there is illustrated a small tray  400 . The tray  400  includes a flange  478  that traces its perimeter. The flange  478  rests a portion of the frames  382 ,  384  or frame  394  to be supported by the frames  382 ,  384 ,  394 . The tray  400  includes side walls  480  and end walls  482 . The tray includes a bottom  484  with a series of ribs  486  and openings  488  to drain water. The bottom  484  slopes toward the openings to assist in draining water from the tray  400 . 
     By way of example only, the tray  400  may have a length of 3.390 inches, a width of 3.960 inches and a height of 0.720 inches. The tray  390  may be made from plastic. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 28A-28C , the razor hanger  392  hangs from one of the frames  382 ,  384 ,  394 . The razor hanger  392  includes a frontside  490  and backside  492 . Razor hooks  494  extend over the frontside  490  and are spaced so that the hooks  494  hold a cutting head of a razor while allowing a handle of the razor to extend down between the hooks  494 . The razor hooks  494  include a curved section  496  and an upturned straight section  498 . Mounting hooks  500  extend over the backside  492 . The mounting hooks  500  include a lateral portion  502  that reaches over the frame  382 ,  384 ,  394  and a longitudinal portion  504  that extends down along the frame  382 ,  384 ,  394 . A tab  506  projects from the backside  490  and extends over a bottom edge of the frame  382 ,  384 ,  394 , while the lateral portion  502  of the mounting hooks extends over a top edge of the frame  382 ,  384 ,  394 . This locks the razor hanger  392  onto the frame  382 ,  384 ,  394  against unintentional separation. 
     By way of example only, the razor hanger  392  may have a width of 1.50 inches and a height of 1.14 inches. The maximum depth of the razor hander  392 , including the razor hooks  494  and the mounting hooks  500 , may be 0.96 inches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 29-29C , there is illustrated different, but not limiting, configurations of the baskets  34 . For instance,  FIG. 29  shows two baskets  34  mounted from the barrel  32  at 180 degrees apart. In  FIG. 29B , there is shown four baskets  34  mounted to the barrel  32  at 90 degrees to another.  FIG. 29C  shows two baskets  34  mounted at 90 degrees to one another, while  FIG. 29D  shows three brackets  34  mounted at 90 degrees to one another. 
     As show in  FIGS. 30A-30D , there is illustrated an alternative, optional extension rod  510 . The extension rod  50  is configured to connect between the main rod  18  and the bottom end cap  24 . The extension rod  510  includes a hollow tube  512 . One end of the hollow tube  512  is fitted with an end cap connection insert  514 , and the other end of the hollow tube  512  is fitted with a main rod connection insert  516 . The end cap connection insert  514  is the same as insert  38  described above in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4B  and will not be described here again. 
     The main rod connection insert  516  is designed to receive and connect to insert  38  attached to the main rod  18 . The insert  516  includes a first end  518  with a chamfer to aid in inserting the insert  516  into the end of the hollow tube  512 . The insert  516  includes a cylindrical outer surface  520  that engages an inner surface  522  of the hollow tube  512  with a friction fit to prevent unintentional removal of the insert  516  from the hollow tube  512  and unintentional rotation of the insert  516  relative to the hollow tube  512 . The insert  516  includes a second end with an annular flange  524  that engages an end of the hollow tube  512  to prevent complete insertion of the insert  516  into the hollow tube  512 . An interior wall  526  of the insert  526  defines an interior helical groove  528  that engages the exterior thread of the insert  38 . 
     By way of example only, the extension rod  510  may have a length of 12 inches and a diameter of one inch. The rod  510  may be made aluminum. The insert  516  may have a length of 0.75 inches, an outer diameter of 0.93 inches and an inner diameter of 0.85 inches. Ends of the internal groove  528  may have a circumferential spacing of 0.05 inches such that the groove does not make a complete helix turn. The insert  516  may be made from ABS plastic. 
     The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the technological contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims.