Tension-mounted pole caddy

A tensioning pole for mounting between two substantially parallel surfaces, the pole comprising:

• a first tubular body having a telescoping end and a free end;
• a second tubular body having a telescoping end coupled with the telescoping end of the first body and a free end;
• a first surface contact base connected to the free end of the first tubular body;
• a second surface contact base connected to the free end of the second tubular body;
• a toothed rack affixed within the first body proximate the telescoping end of the first body;
• a locking pawl within the second body proximate the telescoping end of the second body, the locking pawl capable of movement between engagement and disengagement with the toothed rack;
• and
• a lever coupled to the locking pawl via a linkage, such that operation of the lever between a first retracted position and second outward position actuates the locking pawl to move between engagement and disengagement with the toothed rack, respectively, wherein the lever is positioned on the second surface contact base and the second surface contact base includes a cutout dimensioned to receive the lever in the first position,
• wherein the lever includes an engagement portion and the second surface contact base includes a moveable base portion, wherein as the lever is moved toward the first position the engagement portion contacts the base portion and displaces the base portion in a direction opposite the telescoping end of the second tubular body.