Clip and collar for reversibly attaching shelves to pole

Abstract

A clip that is operable to reversibly connect a collar-attached shelf with a tension pole. The clip generally has an axis, and an aperture that extends in the direction of the axis, such that the aperture is shaped to correspond with the shape of the tension pole. The clip also has a flexible connecting member that connects left and right sides of the clip, such that the clip can be opened and closed around the tension pole. The clip may have an outwardly-extending faceplate which is engageable with a collar. The collar may hold the clip in a closed position and may be attached to other items, such as a shelf.

1 . A shower caddy system comprising:
 at least one tension pole segment;   at least one shelf;   and means for attaching and reattaching said at least one shelf to said at least one tension pole segment at any point thereon.   
     
     
         2 . The shower caddy system of  claim 1 , wherein said attaching and reattaching means comprises a clip. 
     
     
         3 . The shower caddy system of  claim 2 , wherein the clip includes two outwardly-projecting faceplates. 
     
     
         4 . The shower caddy system of  claim 3 , wherein a portion of said at least one shelf is adapted to engage said faceplates. 
     
     
         5 . A clip comprising:
 an aperture in the direction of a first axis, said aperture defined by a left side and a right side of the clip, wherein said left side and said right side are attached with a connecting member;   two faceplates, each attached to one of the said sides of the clip; and   a first channel that separates said faceplates, said faceplates each having a central edge, said first channel defining an opening in the direction perpendicular to said axis.   
     
     
         6 . The clip of  claim 5 , wherein said connecting member is positioned to define a second channel parallel to said axis, and fluidly connected to, and adjacent, said aperture. 
     
     
         7 . The clip of  claim 5 , wherein said connecting member is constructed of a flexible material. 
     
     
         8 . The clip of  claim 5 , wherein said faceplates are outwardly-projecting. 
     
     
         9 . The clip of  claim 5 , wherein said faceplates are shaped to receive a shelf thereon. 
     
     
         10 . The clip of  claim 5 , wherein said aperture is generally circular. 
     
     
         11 . The clip of  claim 5 , wherein said central edges contact each other at least partially. 
     
     
         12 . The clip of  claim 5 , wherein said left side and said right side are mirror images of each other. 
     
     
         13 . A method for arranging shelves of a shower caddy, said method comprising the steps of:
 securing a tension pole adjacent a shower location;   attaching at least a first shelf on the tension pole at a first location thereon; and   securing a first clip to the tension pole, wherein the steps of attaching the first shelf on the tension pole include securing the first shelf to the first clip.   
     
     
         14 . A collar, securable to a clip, comprising:
 a u-shaped portion with width and an open end and a closed end; and   at least one mounting position on said u-shaped portion available for a user to mount a shelf.