Dual-Mounted End Cap System And Locking System For An Adjustable Rod

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/608,660, filed Mar. 18, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/216,481, filed Jun. 29, 2023, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,950,722, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/156,258, filed Jan. 18, 2023, now U.S. Pat. No. 12,121,174, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/187,407, filed Feb. 26, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,571,080, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/297,357, filed Mar. 8, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,959,559, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable rod and, more particularly, to endcaps for an adjustable rod and a non-jamming locking system.

Adjustable rods are commonly used to support curtains, such as window and shower curtains and clothing on hangers. Adjustable rods commonly have two tubes where one slides inside the other one to adjust the relative length of the combined tubes. The adjustable rods include a locking system to set the tubes relative to one another and adjustable end caps to apply the appropriate amount of pressure on a pair of mounting walls between which the rod extends. There is a need to help ensure that the locking system does not become stuck, which may then require disassembly of the system to repair it for operation.

The adjustable rods further include a pair of end caps which contact the mounting walls. The end caps include pads which create friction and improve the stability of the adjustable rods when mounted to the walls. This combined with the pressure applied by the adjustable rods to the mounting walls will secure the rod in place.

Some people, however, are more comfortable with a permanent mount to the wall because it is a more secure attachment. Thus, one known shortcoming with current adjustable tension rods is their inability to also be mounted permanently. Thus, there is a need for a tension rod that can be mounted both temporarily and permanently.

With reference to, there is illustrated a universal adjustable roddesigned to be easily installed between two walls to support hanging items, such as for supporting a shower curtain in a shower enclosure. The shower rodadjusts in length from a contracted length to an extended length to accommodate different distances between the mounting walls. Once adjusted to a level distance between the mounting walls, the adjustable rodis further adjusted to apply the appropriate amount of force on the walls to facilitate sufficient supporting strength. The adjustment mechanisms described herein permit simple installation of the adjustable rodwithout undesired walking of the ends of the rodon the mounting wall.

More specifically, the adjustable rodincludes an inner tubepartially received in an outer tube. The inner tubeextends telescopically from the outer tubeto provide a coarse adjustment of the rodto engage the mounting walls. The outer tubeincludes a left end cap, and the inner tubeincludes a right end cap. The end caps,adjust relative to their respective tubes,to provide fine adjustments to further apply force against the mounting walls. These adjustments, as explained further below, place the rodin sufficient tension between the mounting walls to enable the rodto support items such as a shower curtain.

With reference to, there is illustrated one embodiment of an adjustment mechanism for the adjustable rod. The adjustment mechanism includes a lock assemblyintermediate the end caps,to lock the inner and outer tubes,relative to one another for the coarse adjustment. The adjustment mechanism further includes a left end cap adjustment assemblyand a right end cap adjustment assembly. The end cap adjustment assemblies,provide the fine adjustments to apply the appropriate amount of force against the mounting walls. For the adjustment mechanism of, the inner and outer tubes,are roll formed from metal with a longitudinal folded seam along the inside to secure the rounded cross-section (see).

The lock assemblyincludes a lock assembly insertthat fits in an inner end portionof the inner tubesuch that it is fixed against movement relative to the inner tubeand a lock discthat is attached to an outer endof the insertthat extends beyond an endof the inner tube. The lock discengages an inside surfaceof the outer tubeto enable the tubes,to be extended relative to one another but not contracted once extended.

With reference to, the lock assembly inserthas a cylindrical, hollow body configuration with a flat end wallat one end surrounded by a perimeter flangeextending radially from the insert. The flangeengages the endof the inner tubeas a stop against complete insertion into the inner tube. The flat end wallincludes a central threaded bore. The threading may be provided by a metal insertfriction fitted into the bore in the flat end wall. The outer diameter of the insertis such that it provides a friction fit with an inner surfaceof the inner end portionof the inner tubeto resist unintentional removal from the inner tube. The insertincludes a longitudinal grooveextending the entire length for receiving a folded seam() to resist rotation of the lock assembly relative to the inner tube. The insertalso may include a circumferential groovenear an inner endof the insert. The circumferential groovemay be used to further secure the insertin the inner tube. A portion of inner tube at the groovecan be indented into the grooveto provide an interlocking engagement. The insert may be made (e.g., molded) from a rigid plastic material.

With reference to, the lock discis attached to the flat end wallof the insertwith a threaded screwinto the central threaded bore. The lock discincludes a series of radial slitsthat define a series of petalswith an arcuate outer edge. A seam cutoutis located at one of the slits. The seam cutoutreceives the folded seamof the outer tube().

The petalsenable the lock discto take on a concave shape facing into the outer tube(). The diameter of the lock discis sufficiently large so that the outer arcuate edgeof the petalsengages the inner surfaceof the outer tube. The concave shape enables the petalsto slide along the inner surfaceas the inner and outer tubes,are extended relative to one another but wedges against the inner surfaceto prevent contraction of the inner tubeinto the outer tube. This provides a one-way slip lock configuration for the coarse extension of the tubes,relative to one another between the mounting walls. The lock discis preferably made of a metal material, such as spring steel, that retains its shape and is of sufficient integrity to lock against the inner wallof the outer tube.

The left and right end cap assemblies,are the same except that they are threaded so the rotation of both the inner and outer tubes,in the same direction causes both the left and right end caps,to translate in opposite directions with respect to one another. That is, rotation of the tubes,in clockwise direction when looking at the right end capcauses the end caps,to translate away from one another (outward) to apply pressure on the mounting walls to secure the adjustable rodand when rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the end caps,move toward each other to release the adjustable rodfrom the mounting walls. During installation, one simply pulls the tubes,apart to the desired length between the mounting walls and without moving his or her hands begins to turn the tubes,together in the clockwise direction (i.e., toward his or her body) to translate the end caps,outward to apply pressure on the mounting walls to secure the adjustable rod.

With reference to, the left end capand the right end capare identical. The end caps,each include an end wallwith an outer surfacethat is generally flat, a tapering outer surfaceextending away from the outer surfaceto the other end of the end cap, and a cylindrical, hollow interior. A driverprojects from a center of the end wall into the interiorof the end cap. The drivermay be hexagonal in form. The end caps,may be made of a rubber type material designed to provide a friction engagement with the mounting walls to prevent the end caps,from rotating and walking on the mounting walls during rotation of the tubes for installation.

With reference to, the left and right end cap assemblies,include a left and right end cap adjustment screw insert,, respectively. A headof each screw insert,includes a drive socketto receive the driverof the end caps,. The socket may be hexagonal in configuration. The diameter of the headis sized to provide a friction fit with an inner surfaceof the interior() of the end caps,. The left end cap adjustment screw insertincludes right-hand threading, and the right end cap adjustment screw insertincludes a left-hand threading. The left and right end cap adjustment screw inserts,may be made (e.g., molded) from a rigid plastic material.

With reference to, the left and right end cap assemblies,include a left and right end tube insert,, respectively. Each insert,is generally cylindrical with a hollow pass through. The left end cap insertfits with a friction fit in a left endof the outer tube, and the right end cap insertfits in a right endof the inner tubewith a friction fit (). An outer diameter of the left end cap insertis slightly larger than that of the right end cap insertto accommodate a larger diameter of the outer tube. A circumferential flangeextends about the perimeter of one end of the left and right end cap inserts,for engaging the left and right ends,of the outer and inner tubes,respectively, to prevent complete insertion therein. Each insert,includes a longitudinal extending groovethat receives the outer tube seamand the inner tube seam, respectively. This engagement fixes the left and right end tube inserts,for rotation with the outer and inner tubes,during installation.

The left end cap insertincludes a left-hand threadin its interior, and the right end cap insertincludes a right-hand threadin its interior. The right and left-hand threads,cooperate with the right and left-hand threading,of the right and left end cap adjustment screw inserts,. These threading engagements enable the end caps,to move away from one another as the tubes,are rotated during installation. More specifically, the friction between the mounting walls and the end surfacesof the end caps,limits rotation of the end caps,as the tubes,are rotated. The driverof the end caps,and the socketslock the left and right end cap adjustment screw inserts,against rotation relative to the end caps,. Accordingly, as the tubes,are rotated toward an installer, the left and right end tube inserts,are turned, causing the end caps,to move away from one another, thereby applying force on the mounting surface to further lock the adjustable rodto the mounting walls. Rotating the tubes,away from the installer causes the end caps to move towards one another, thereby removing force from the mounting surface to uninstall the adjustable rod. The left and right end cap inserts,may be made (e.g. molded) from a rigid plastic material.

To install the adjustable rodwith the locking mechanismand the left and right end cap adjustment assemblies,, the outer tubeis held with one's left hand, and the inner tubeis held with one's right hand. The tubes,are extended from one another until their respective end caps,engage the mounting walls. Next, one rotates both the inner and outer tubes,in the same direction toward one's body (i.e., clockwise looking at the right end cap). This will cause the end caps,to move away from one another to provide the appropriate force on the mounting walls to secure the adjustable rod. The tubes,can be rotated in the opposite direction to release the pressure to remove the adjustable rod, such as for repositioning.

With reference to, there is illustrated another embodiment of an adjustment mechanism for the adjustable rod. The adjustment mechanism includes a lock assemblyintermediate the end caps,to lock the inner and outer tubes,relative to one another for the coarse adjustment. The adjustment mechanism further includes a left end cap adjustment assemblyand a right end cap adjustment assembly. The end cap adjustment assemblies,provide the fine adjustments to apply the appropriate amount of force against the mounting walls. The end cap assembliesandare identical to the end cap assembliesanddiscussed above. For the adjustment mechanism of, the inner and outer tubes,are roll formed from metal with a longitudinal welded seam along the inside to secure the rounded cross-section.

With reference to, the lock assemblyincludes a lock ramp, an inner tube left end insert, and a lock sleeve. The lock rampand the inner left end insertmay be molded from a rigid plastic material. The lock sleevealso may be molded from rigid type plastic but must be flexible enough to expand and provide a sufficient frictional engagement with an inner surfaceof the outer tubeto lock the tubes against relative movement.

The lock rampincludes a frustro-conical wedge portionand a threaded portionwith a right-hand thread. The wedge portionincludes a circumferential flangeat its free end and a pair of diametrically opposed groovesextending longitudinally from the flangeto the threaded portion. The flangecenters the lock rampin the outer tubeand provides a small amount of frictional engagement with an inner surfaceof the outer tube. The longitudinal groovesguide longitudinal movement of the lock sleevealong the wedge portion.

The inner tube left end insertis generally a hollow cylindrical shape with a through hole. The insertfits with a friction fit in a left endof the inner tube. A circumferential flangeextends about a perimeter of one end of the insertfor engaging the left endof the inner tubeto prevent complete insertion therein. The friction engagement in the inner tubefixes the insertagainst rotation relative to the inner tube. The insertincludes a left-hand threadin its interior. The threadof the threaded portionof the lock rampmeshes with the threadof the insert. As the threaded portionis turned into the insert, the lock sleeveexpands to lock the tubes,relative to one another.

More specifically, the lock sleevehas an elongated slotalong its entire axial length to form a split ring configuration. This enables the lock sleeveto be expanded from a first state that allows relative movement of the tubes,to a second state to lock the tubes,against relative movement. The lock sleeveincludes a pair of longitudinally extending ribson its inside that are offset 90 degrees from the slot. The lock sleevereceives the wedge portionof the lock rampwith the ribsin each one of the groovesof the lock ramp.

To install the adjustable rodwith the locking mechanismand the left and right end cap adjustment assemblies,, the outer tubeis held with one's left hand, and the inner tubeis held with one's right hand. The tubes,are extended from one another until their respective end caps,engage the mounting walls. Then, the outer tubeis held stationary with the left hand, and the inner tubeis rotated clockwise (when looking at the right end cap—i.e., toward an installer's body) with the right hand. This causes the threaded engagement between the lock rampand the insertto draw the wedge portiontoward the insertwhich, in turn, causes the wedge portionto push into the lock sleeveguided by the groovesand ribsand expand the lock sleeve. Once expanded sufficiently, the lock sleevebecomes wedged tightly between the wedge portionand the inner surfaceof the outer tubecausing the inner and outer tubes,to be locked against relative movement.

Next, one rotates both the inner and outer tubes,in the same direction toward the one's body (i.e., clockwise looking at the right end cap). This will cause the end caps,to move away from one another to provide the appropriate force on the mounting walls to secure the adjustable rod. The tubes,can be rotated in the opposite direction to release the pressure to remove the adjustable rod, such as for repositioning.

With reference to, there is illustrated another embodiment of an adjustment mechanism for the adjustable rod. The adjustment mechanism includes a lock assemblyintermediate the end caps,to lock the inner and outer tubes,relative to one another for the coarse adjustment. The adjustment mechanism further includes a left end cap adjustment assemblyand a right end cap adjustment assembly. The end cap adjustment assemblies,provide the fine adjustments to apply the appropriate amount of force against the mounting walls. The end cap assembliesandare identical to the end cap assembliesanddiscussed below. The end capsandare identical to the end capsanddiscussed below. In alternative embodiments, the end cap assembliesandcan be replaced with the end cap assembliesanddiscussed above and the end capsandare replaced with the end capsanddiscussed above. For the adjustment mechanism of, the inner and outer tubes,are roll formed from metal with a longitudinal welded seam along the inside to secure the rounded cross-section. This can be done with a laser to provide a smooth interior and exterior.

With reference to, the lock assemblyincludes a lock ramp, an inner tube left end insert, and a lock sleeve. The locking assemblyoperates very similarly to the locking assemblydescribed above. Corresponding parts in the two embodiments share the same last two digits in the reference numbers. The lock rampand the inner left end insertmay be molded from a rigid plastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The lock sleevealso may be molded from a rigid type plastic (such as ABS) but must be flexible enough to expand and provide a sufficient frictional engagement with an inner surface of the outer tube to lock the tubes against relative movement.

The lock rampincludes a frusto-conical wedge portionand a threaded portionwith a right hand thread. The wedge portionincludes a grooveextending longitudinally from its free end (the left end in) to the threaded portion. The longitudinal grooveguides longitudinal movement of the lock sleevealong the wedge portion. In alternative embodiments, the lock rampmay include a flange at its free end to help center the lock rampin the outer tubeand provides a small amount of frictional engagement with an inner surfaceof the outer tube.

The lock rampfurther includes an annular grooveat the end of the threaded portion. The annular grooveis defined by the threaded portionand a truncated cone. The truncated conedecreases in diameter further from the annular grooveand as it proceeds to its terminal end. It is made out of a deformable material, so that a stop washercan be pushed over the truncated coneto rest in the annular groove. The wide end of the truncated coneprevents the stop washerfrom separating from the lock ramp. The stop washerhas an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the insert, and thus prevents the insertand the lock rampfrom being separated.

In assembly, the lock rampis extended through the lock sleeveand the left end insertso that the truncated coneextends out the end of the left end insertfurthest from the frusto-conical wedge portionof the lock ramp. The stop washeris then mounted onto the lock ramp. The cam surface of the truncated conedeforms to allow the stop washerto slip over the edge and into the annular groove. The stop washermay be made of a plastic (such as ABA) so that the inner edge of the stop washerdeforms to assist with installing of the stop washeron to the end of the lock ramp. Once in the annular groove, the stop washerabuts the edge of the wide stop surface of the truncated cone. The wide edge of the truncated coneis only slightly, but sufficiently, larger than the hole in the stop washer, so as to prevent the assembly from separating while in use but still allowing easy assembly. Thus, the lock rampis installed into the insertbefore installation of the stop washer.

The inner tube left end inserthas a generally hollow, generally cylindrical shape with a through hole. The insertfits with a friction fit in a left endof the inner tube. An annular flangeextends about a perimeter of one end of the insertfor engaging the left endof the inner tubeto prevent complete insertion therein. An annular protrusionextends from the annular flange. The protrusionincludes an annular neckand a terminal, annular lip. The lip snapfits into an annular groovedefined by the interior surface of the lock sleeve. This captivates the lock sleeveto the insert. The grooveis deep enough so that the lipdoes not prevent the lock sleevefrom contracting when the lock assemblyis loosened. The lipextends far enough into the groovethat the parts do not decouple when the lock sleeveis fully expanded to lock the tubes,together. The friction engagement in the inner tubefixes the insertagainst rotation relative to the inner tube. In alternative embodiments, the insertmay include a groove that interacts with a seam of the inner tubeto fix the insertagainst rotation relative to the inner tube. In other alternative embodiments, the inner tubemay be spiked to the insertby causing indentation in the inner tubewith a punch. The insertincludes a left hand threadin its interior. The threadof the threaded portionof the lock rampmeshes with the threadof the insert.

The lock sleevehas an elongated slot(see slotin) along its entire axial length to form a split ring configuration. This enables the lock sleeveto be expanded from a first state that allows relative movement of the tubes,to a second state to lock the tubes,against relative movement. The lock sleeveincludes a longitudinally extending ribon its inside. The lock sleevereceives the wedge portionof the lock rampwith the ribreceived in the grooveof the lock rampto enable the lock sleeve to rotate with the lock ramp. The engagement between the grooveand the lipallows the lock sleeve to rotate relative to the insert.

In an alternative embodiment, the insertdoes not have a circumferential flangesized to prevent insertion of the insertentirely into the tube. In this case, the lock sleeveengages the left endof the inner tube. With the lock sleeveand the insertconnected by the lip, the lock sleevecan serve the purpose of the annular flange.

As the threaded portionis turned into the insert, the lock sleeveexpands to lock the tubes,relative to one another. As the threaded portionis turned out of the insert, the lock sleevecontracts, allowing the tubes,to move relative to one another. The coupling of the lipand the grooveprevent the lock sleevefrom moving with the frustro-conical wedge portionas a result of friction when the tubes,are free to move longitudinally relative to one another. Because the inner surface of the outer tubeand the outer surface of the lock sleeveare smooth, minimal clearance is needed to allow movement of the tubes,relative to each other. In one embodiment, the diameter of the lock sleevein an expanded state is between 0.0025 and 0.025 inches larger than the diameter of the lock sleevein an unexpanded state. As the tubes,move toward one another, the annular flangeprevents the insertfrom moving relative to the tube. As the tubes,move apart, the friction between the insertand the tubeprevents the insertfrom moving relative to the tube. The washercouples the lock rampto the insertto prevent separation of the components. The engagement of the lipwith the grooveprevents the lock sleevefrom decoupling from the insert. As such, the lock assemblyis captivated so that adjustment of the adjustable rodwill not result in the separation of the components of the lock assembly.

To install the adjustable rodwith the locking mechanismand the left and right end cap adjustment assemblies,, the outer tubeis held with one's left hand, and the inner tubeis held with one's right hand. The tubes,are extended from one another until their respective end caps,engage the mounting walls. Then, the outer tubeis held stationary with the left hand, and the inner tubeis rotated clockwise (when looking at the right end cap—i.e., toward an installer's body) with the right hand. This causes the threaded engagement between the lock rampand the insertto draw the wedge portiontoward the insertwhich, in turn, causes the wedge portionto push into the lock sleeveguided by the grooveand riband expand the lock sleeve. Once expanded sufficiently, the lock sleevebecomes wedged tightly between the wedge portionand the inner surfaceof the outer tubecausing the inner and outer tubes,to be locked against longitudinal relative movement.

Next, one rotates both the inner and outer tubes,in the same direction toward the one's body (i.e., clockwise looking at the right end cap). This will cause the end caps,to move away from one another to provide the appropriate force on the mounting walls to secure the adjustable rod. The tubes,can be rotated in the opposite direction to release the pressure to remove the adjustable rod, such as for repositioning.

With reference to, there is illustrated another embodiment of an end cap assembly for the adjustable rod, mentioned above. The end cap assemblies,shown incan be combined in a adjustable rodwith any of the locking mechanisms discussed above.

In, the left end capand the right end capare nearly identical. The end caps,each include an end wallwith an outer surfacethat is generally flat, a tapering outer surfaceextending away from the outer surfaceto the other end of the end cap,, and a cylindrical, hollow interior. The interior surfaceof the end capis sized to fit over the outer surface of the outer tubesuch that friction between the interior surfaceand outer surface of the outer tubeare minimized or eliminated. The interior surfaceis sized to fit over the outer surface of the inner tubesuch that friction between the interior surfaceand outer surface of the inner tubeare minimized or eliminated. In addition, the interior surfacescan be made smooth in order to minimize friction between the end capsand the tubes,.

There is an annular groovein the interiorof the end cap,at the end wall. The end caps,may be made of a rubber type material designed to provide a friction engagement with the mounting walls to prevent the end caps from rotating and walking on the mounting walls during rotation of the tubes for installation.

With reference to, the left and right end cap assemblies,include a left and right end cap adjustment screw insert,, respectively. A headof each screw insert,includes an outer surfacethat fits within the annular grooveof the end caps,. The diameter of the headis sized to provide a friction fit with the annular grooveof the end caps,. The friction engagement between the headand the annular grooveshould be greater than any friction between the interior surfaceof the end caps,against tubes,. Thus, when the adjustable rodis rotated, the friction fixes the end caps,and the screw inserts,against rotation. This causes the screw inserts,to unscrew from the rotating inserts,causing the expansion of the adjustable rodto fill the gap between the two walls. The friction between the end caps,and the wall can vary based on the material and design of the end caps,and/or the walls. Based on the design of the outer surfaceof the end caps,, the surface of the headand/or the interior surfaceof the end caps,can be altered to adjust the friction therebetween. This includes changing the materials, changing the roughness or smoothness of the surfaces, or adding features such as ridges to increase friction. The left end cap adjustment screw insertincludes right hand threading, and the right end cap adjustment screw insertincludes left hand threading. The left and right end cap adjustment screw inserts,may be made (e.g., molded) from a rigid plastic material, such as ABS.

With reference to, the left and right end cap assemblies,include a left and right end tube insert,, respectively. Each insert,is generally cylindrical with a hollow pass through. The left end cap insertfits with a friction fit in a left endof the outer tube, and the right end cap insertfits in a right endof the inner tubewith a friction fit (see, e.g.,). In alternative embodiments, a punch may be used to dent the tubes,into the inserts,after insertion in order to further secure them in place. In other alternative embodiments, the tubes,may include a rolled seam that interacts with a groove in the inserts,to fix the inserts,against rotation. An outer diameter of the left end cap insertis slightly larger than that of the right end cap insertto accommodate a larger diameter of the outer tube. An annular flangeextends about the perimeter of one end of the left and right end cap inserts,for engaging the left and right ends,of the outer and inner tubes, respectively, to prevent complete insertion therein.

The left end cap insertincludes a left hand threadin its interior, and the right end cap insertincludes a right hand threadin its interior. The right and left hand threads,cooperate with the right and left hand threading,of the right and left end cap adjustment screw inserts,. These threading engagements enable the end caps,to move away from one another as the tubes,are rotated in the same direction during installation. More specifically, the friction between the mounting walls and the end surfacesof the end caps,limits rotation of the end caps,as the tubes,are rotated. The friction between the interior surfaceof the end caps,and the outer surfaceof the adjustment screw inserts,lock the left and right end cap adjustment screw inserts,against rotation relative to the end caps,. Accordingly, as the tubes,are rotated toward an installer, the left and right end tube inserts,are turned causing the end caps,to move away from one another, thereby applying force on the mounting surface to further lock the adjustable rodto the mounting walls. Rotating the tubes,away from the installer causes the end caps to move towards one another, thereby removing force from the mounting surface to uninstall the adjustable rod. The left and right end cap inserts may be made, such as molded, from a rigid plastic material, such as ABS.

With reference tothere is illustrated a dual-mount end cap system. The dual-mount end cap systemreceives the ends of the inner and outer tubes,of the adjustable roddescribed above. The dual-mount end cap systemcan be used with any of the above described adjustment and lock mechanisms for the tubes,.

In general, the dual-mounted end cap systemincludes a left end cap assemblyand a right end cap assembly. The left and right end cap assemblies,include left and right endcaps,, left and right threaded tube inserts,, left and right threaded endcap inserts,, fasteners,, and pads,. The left and right cap inserts,include a passage,, a flange,, a left-hand threaded portionon the left threaded insert, a right-hand threaded portionon the right threaded insert, and a head,.

The threaded tube inserts,are captivated in part in the outer and inner tubes,, respectively, by, for example, creating a pair of detents,in the interior surface of the tubes,which penetrate a body portion,of the inserts,(see) to prevent the inserts,from becoming separated from the outer and inner tubes,. While a pair of notches are shown, there may be any number of notches to captivate these parts. There are also ribson the exterior of the tube inserts,to provide friction to hold the tube inserts,in the inner and outer tubes,. The ribscan deform as the tube inserts,are inserted to provide a compression fit in the inner and outer tubes,.

The adjustable rodcan be set using one of the above adjustment mechanisms to set the tubes,relative to one another and then can be turned so that the end cap assemblies,extend outward from the outer tubes,to tighten against the two surfaces. Alternatively, the end cap assemblies,can be used by themselves to mount the adjustable rodbetween two surfaces. That is, the fasteners,can also be used to pre-mount the end cap assemblies,to the surfaces. For example, the end cap assemblies,can be first mounted to the walls at the desired locations with the fasteners,. Then, the adjustable rodcan be expanded and the ends of the tubes,can be inserted into the end cap assemblies,. This aids in positioning of the adjustable rodat its desired orientation (e.g., right height, lateral position and level). When the adjustable rodis turned to operate the threaded tube inserts,and the threaded cap inserts,, the end caps,are prevented from moving or walking around on the mounting surfaces. It has been found that the rodcan support more weight when use the end cap assemblies,with the permanent mount fastener,. This provides some people with additional comfort.

As shown in, the left and right threaded tube inserts,may have a generally cylindrical shape defined by the body portion,and passages,. The passages,can be partially or completely threaded with left- and right-hand threading,along the length of the interior of the threaded inserts,, respectively. The left and right threaded tube inserts,are sized to be received concentrically in a left endof the outer tubeand a right endof the inner tube, respectively. Each of the threaded tube inserts,has an outer diameter that is sized to provide a friction fit with the internal surface of the engaged tube so that rotation of the tube rotates the respective insert,. One end of each tube insert,includes a radially extending flange,to engage the ends of the tubes,to prevent the tube inserts,from being completely inserted into the tubes,. There also may be additional inter-engagements formed between the tubes,and the tube inserts,. For instance, the tubes,may include detents,that penetrate the tube inserts,to lock the insert,against rotational and translational movement.

With reference to, the cap inserts,each include an inboard end,and an outboard end or head,. Passages,of the end cap inserts,are configured to receive and guide the fasteners,. More specifically, each fastener,may include a head,for driving the fastener,into a wall structure (see). The diameter of the passages,may be just slightly larger than the head,of the fasteners,. The cap inserts,each include a radially extending flange,inboard of the head,. The flanges,can rest against an internal end structure or surface,of the end caps,. Since the tubes,have different outer diameters, the left threaded cap insertmay be scaled larger than the right threaded cap insert. This is the same for the left and right tube inserts,. In another embodiment, the left end cap insertmay be shortened so to, for example, include only the threaded portion (see).

The left and right threaded portions,of the left and right threaded cap inserts,include left-hand threadsand right-hand threads, respectively, which cooperate with the left- and right-hand threads,of the left and right tube inserts,. Thus, the adjustable rodonly needs to be turned in one direction to tighten and loosen the end cap assemblies,. The flanges,of the left and right threaded tube inserts,(see) may engage the flanges,of the left and right threaded cap inserts,, respectively

In one embodiment, the following exemplary dimensions may be used. The inner tubemay have an inner diameter of approximately 0.875 inches, while the outer tubemay have an inner diameter of approximately 1 inch. The left threaded tube insert, sized to be received by the outer tube, may have an outer diameter of approximately 0.99 inches at the flangeand of approximately 0.95 inches at the portion received by the outer tube. The threaded tube insert, sized to be received by the inner tube, may have an outer diameter of approximately 0.89 inches at the flange, and a diameter of approximately 0.83 inches at the portion received in the tube. The passages,of the threaded tube inserts,may have a diameter of approximately 0.69 inches, and the threads,may have a diameter of approximately 0.55 inches. The length of the threaded tube inserts,may be approximately 0.85 inches.