US3637084A

US3637084A - Hanger rod construction and assembly

Info

Publication number: US3637084A
Application number: US822956A
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark O Uitz
Original assignee: F J L CORP
Current assignee: F J L CORP
Priority date: 1969-05-08
Filing date: 1969-05-08
Publication date: 1972-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 1989-01-25

Abstract

Hanger rod construction and assemblies including a cylindrical rod with longitudinally extending undercut slots formed in its outer surface and mounting brackets and hanger devices for mounting in said slots, together with an internal bore formed in the rod and end pieces and mounting brackets for mounting in said bore.

Description

United States Patent ilitn 1 Jnn.25,w72

[54] HANGER ROD CONSTRUCTHUN AND ASSEMBLY [72] Inventor: Mark O. Uitz, Mountain View, Calif.

[73] Assignee: 1F.,].L. Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif.

[22] Filed: May 8, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 822,956

[52] US. Cl. ..2l l/l05.l, 16/94 D, 248/225 [51] Int. C1 ..A4l7f 5/08, A47h 1/02 [58] Field ofSearch ..211/l05.1, 123, 1053-1056; 248/251, 261, 225, 264, 262, 273; 16/94 D, 94, 93;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Franz ..211/71 354,303 12/1886 Case i ..40/68 UX 2,512,203 6/1950 Fluharty ..211/123 2,727,272 12/1955 Hankin et al. ...248/225 X 3,220,125 11/1965 Wende v ..40/l6.2

Primary Examiner-Ramon S, Brit'ts Attorney-Flehr, Hohbach, Test, Albritton & Herbert s71 Ansrmor Hanger rod construction and assemblies including a cylindrical rod with longitudinally extending undercut slots formed in its outer surface and mounting brackets and hanger devices for mounting in said slots, together with an internal bore formed in the rod and end pieces and mounting brackets for mounting in said bore.

20 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures PATENIEB .umzswz 306379084 saw 2 OF 3 INVENTOR.

Mark 0. Uifz BY Maw PMENIEU m2 5 m2 SHEET 38F 3 HANGER ROD CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLY SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a hanger rod construction and a plurality of hanger rod assemblies utilizing the hanger rod construction and having a generally similar appearance. The rod construction includes an elongate cylindrical member having a plurality of longitudinally extending slots in which mounting brackets and various hanger devices can be mounted. The elongate member can also include an internal bore which accommodates end pieces and additional mounting brackets. Spacer members are provided for mounting in slots which are not otherwise occupied by mounting brackets or hanger devices to provide a pleasing overall appearance.

It is in general an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved hanger rod construction which can be used in a variety of hanger rod assemblies having the same general appearance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved hanger rod assembly including a plurality of removably mounted hooks of the type particularly suitable for hanging clothes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hanger rod assembly of the above character which is particularly suitable for towels and washcloths.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hanger rod assembly of the above character which is suitable for receiving coat hangers.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a hanger rod assembly of the above character which is particularly suitable for curtains, such as window curtains and shower curtains.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a hanger rod assembly of the above character which is particularly adapted for holding rolls of toilet paper.

Additional objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description in which the preferred embodiments of the hanger rod construction and assemblies are set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI-IE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an end view of one embodiment of a hanger rod incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multihook hanger rod assembly incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of one end of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, with the end piece removed to more clearly illustrate its construction.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the end piece shown in FIG. 3, looking along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, taken along line 55 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the end portion of the embodiment shown in the preceding figures, looking along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanger rod assembly including a lower hanger bar incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a portion of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, showing the lower hanger bar in greater detail.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, looking along line 99 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanger rod assembly incorporating the present invention and illustrating its use with curtains and coat hangers.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a curtain fastener button suitable for use in the assembly shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded sectional view of the curtain fastener buttoner shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a hanger bracket suitable for use with coat hangers in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, looking along line 14-14 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, taken along line 15-15 in FIG. I3.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a mounting bracket which is suitable for use in mounting the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a hanger rod assembly incorporating the present invention which is particularly suitable for rolls of toilet paper.

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of one embodiment of an end piece particularly suitable for the embodiment shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hanger assembly incorporating the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the preferred embodiments, the hanger rod construction as shown most clearly in FIG. 1, includes an elongate member 21 having a generally cylindrical outer surface 22. This outer surface is formed to include a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut or dovetailed slots 23 which extend longitudinally of the elongate member 21.

The undercut slots 23 open outwardly, that is in a direction radially outward from the axis of the elongate member 21. Each of the slots is defined by a bottom wall or surface 24 and inclined sidewalls or surfaces 26 which generally face each other and overlie the bottom wall or surface. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom wall or surface 24 includes a planar central portion 27 and arcuate side portions 28 which join the central portion to the sidewalls 26. The central portion 27 is tangentially oriented with respect to the axis of the elongate member 21, and the side portions 28 are defined by circular arcs centered about the axis of the elongate member. The sidewalls 26 are planar surfaces which extend outward from the bottom surface 24 and which are convergently inclined with respect to each other. Thus, each slot is wider near its bottom surface 24 than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of the inclined sidewalls 26.

The outer surface 22 of the elongate member 21 also includes a plurality of concave portions 29. These concave portions are located intermediate the undercut slots 23 and extend longitudinally of the elongate member 21.

In the preferred embodiments, the elongate member 21 is formed with a circular, centrally disposed internal axially extending bore 31 defined by a wall 32. This bore extends throughout the length of the elongate member 21 and opens through the ends 33 of the elongate member. Alternatively, the elongate member can be formed as a solid member, or as a solid member with blind bores provided in one or both of its ends 33.

As will be apparent to those familiar with the art, the contour of the preferred embodiment of the rod member 21 is such that the rod member is conveniently formed of aluminum by a conventional extrusion process. Other materials and/or manufacturing processes can be employed if desired.

The undercut slots 23 are adapted for receiving mounting brackets and a variety of hanger devices hereinafter described. Likewise, the internal bore 31 is adapted for receiving mounting brackets and end pieces, also described hereinafter.

A preferred embodiment of a mounting bracket of the type for removable mounting in the undercut slots of the elongate member is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. This mounting bracket, designated generally by reference numeral 36, includes a tapered foot portion 37 and a base portion 38. The foot portion 37 is adapted for slidably mounting in slots 23 and includes inclined upper and lower surfaces 39. These surfaces are adapted for engaging the sidewalls 26 of the undercut slots 23 when the foot portion 37 is inserted in the slots. The base portion 38 provides means for attaching the mounting brackets to a fixed body, not shown. This means includes a dovetail mortise 41 formed in the base portion 38 and a dovetail tenon block 42 which is secured to the fixed body by means of fiathead screws 43. The mortise 41 and tenon block 42 extend the full width of the base portion 38 to permit the mounting bracket 36 to be slid over the tenon block after the latter has been affixed to the mounting surface. The mounting bracket can be held in place on the tenon block by means of a set screw 44. Thus, this preferred mounting bracket is removably mounted to the tenon block, as well as to the elongate member.

A plurality of different hanger means is provided for mounting in the undercut slots 23. These hanger means include hooks 46, a lower hanger bar assembly 47, coat hanger brackets 48, and curtain fastener buttons 49.

Hooks 46 include upper hook members 51 and lower hook members 52 which are most clearly illustrated in FIGS. and 6. These hook members are adapted for removable mounting in the undercut slots 23 of the elongate member 21.

The upper hook member 51 is particularly suitable for mounting in a slot 23 which opens in a horizontal direction. This hook member includes an upwardly extending prong portion 53 and a tapered foot portion 54. The foot portion is pro vided with inclined surfaces 56 which are adapted for engaging the sidewalls 26 of the undercut slots.

The lower hook member 52 is particularly suitable for mounting in a slot which opens vertically downward. This member includes a hooked prong portion having an upwardly extending outer portion 57 and a base portion 58. The base portion is provided with inclined surfaces 59 which are adapted for engaging the inclined sidewalls 26 of the undercut slots.

The lower hangar bar assembly 47, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, includes an elongate bar member 61 which is suspended below and parallel to the elongate member 21 by means of a support bracket 62. The bar member 61 has an outer contour generally similar to that of the elongate member, including a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending concave portions 63. In the preferred embodiment, the bar member 61 is formed to include an internal bore 64 which is adapted for receiving end pieces 66 in a manner hereinafter described. While only one end piece is shown in the drawing, it is to be understood that such end pieces can be provided at both ends of the bar member 61 if desired.

The bar member 61 is secured to the support bracket 62 by being fitted into a bore hole 67 which is provided in the support bracket. The support bracket also includes a tapered foot portion 68 adapted for mounting in the undercut slots 23. The foot portion is provided with inclined surfaces 69 adapted for slidably engaging the inclined sidewalls 26 of the slots to permit the lower hanger bar assembly to be moved longitudinally of the elongate member.

The coat hanger brackets 48 are most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. These brackets include tapered foot portions 71 adapted for removable mounting in the undercut slots 23, particularly a slot which opens vertically downward. The foot portions of the brackets are provided with inclined surfaces 72 adapted for engaging the inclined sidewalls 26 of the slots. The brackets 48 also include lower portions 73 in which openings 74 are formed. These openings are adapted for receiving the hook portions of conventional coat hangers, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

The curtain fastener buttons 49 include inner and outer section members 76 and 77, respectively, between which a curtain 78 can be clamped. The inner section member 76 is formed to include a conically tapered foot portion 79 which is adapted for slidable mounting in the undercut slots 23 of the elongate member 21. A protruding male member 81 adapted for passing through an opening 82 in the curtain 78 and frictionally engaging a female socket 83 formed in the inner section member 76. In the preferred embodiment, the male member 81 comprises an annular ring fabricated of a resilient material and cut into a plurality of arcuate sections. Alternatively, the male member 81 and the female socket 83 can be provided with cooperating threads for holding the two section members together.

Retainer means is provided for holding each of the hanger means, except the curtain fastener buttons, in a fixed position in the undercut slots 23.

One embodiment of the retainer means, shown most clearly in FIG. 15, comprises an L-shaped resilient member 86 disposed in

slots

87 and 88 formed in the hanger means. This resilient member is adapted for engaging the bottom surface 24 of the undercut slots and urging the inclined surfaces of the foot portions of the hanger means against the inclined sidewalls 26 of the slots.

Alternatively, the retaining means can comprise set screws 89, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. These set screws are threadably mounted in the hanger means and engage the bottom surface 24 of the undercut slots, thereby providing means for urging the tapered surfaces of the hook means against the inclined slot walls.

Spacer members 91 are also provided for mounting in the undercut slots 23. These spacer members are formed to include inclined sidewalls 92 which are adapted for engaging the inclined sidewalls 26 of the undercut slots. The spacer members also include a curved outer surface 93 which conforms generally to the cylindrical surface 22 of the elongate member 21 to provide a pleasing appearance. The inner surface 94 of the spacer members is adapted for engaging the bottom surface 24 of the slots.

End pieces 96 are provided for mounting in the internal bore 31 of the elongate member 21. These end pieces, as illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4, comprise plug portions 97 adapted for extending into the internal bore of the elongate member and cap portions 98 adapted for overlying the ends 33 of the elongate member. The plug portion 97 can be fabricated of a resilient material and is formed to include a plurality of arcuate sections 99. These sections are adapted for frictionally engaging the wall 32 of the elongate member. A raised bead 101 can be provided on the outer surface of the plug portion 97 for engaging a corresponding recess, not shown, formed in the inner wall 32 of the elongate member to provide a snap fit-of the end piece in the member. The end pieces 66 are similarly mounted in the internal bore 64 of the lower hanger bar 61.

Another preferred type of mounting bracket 102 is illustrated in FIG. 16. This bracket is adapted for mounting to the internal bore 31 of the elongate member 21. It includes a base flange 103 and a plug portion 104. The base flange is adapted for mounting to a fixed body, not shown, by means of a screw 106. The plug portion 104 is similar to the plug portion 97 of the end pieces 96 and is adapted for frictionally engaging the wall 32 of the internal bore 31.

An alternate type of and piece 107 is illustrated in FIG. 18. This end piece is generally similar to the end piece shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and includes a plug portion 108 and a cap portion 109. The plug portion 108 includes a plurality of arcuate sections for engaging the wall 32 of the elongate members internal bore 31. The cap portion 107 is circular in cross section and has a diameter on the order of two times the outer diameter of the elongate member. Thus, the cap portion 109 is adapted for overlying the end 33 of the elongate member and extending radially beyond the outer surface of the member.

The various components of the hanger rod construction heretofore described can be combined in a number of ways to provide a plurality of hanger rod assemblies having the same general appearance.

A single-hook hanger assembly embodying the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 19. This assembly includes a short length of the elongate member 21, with upper and

lower hook members

51 and 52, respectively, mounted in two of its undercut slots 23. A mounting bracket 36 is mounted in another slot, and end pieces 96 are mounted in the internal bore 31.

The foot portions of the hook members and mounting bracket extend the entire length of the short member Jill, and spacer bars M are disposed in any remaining slots.

A multihook hanger rod assembly embodying the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. This assembly includes an elongate member 21 and a plurality of hooks as spaced longitu dinally of the member. These hooks include upper and lower hook members El and 52, respectively, which are removably mounted in the undercut slots 23 of the elongate member. A pair of mounting brackets 36 is mounted in the slots proximate the ends of the elongate member, and two end pieces as are mounted in the internal bore 31. Spacer members 91 are also mounted in the slots intermediate the hook members and mounting brackets in all remaining slots.

MG. 7 shows a hanger assembly embodying the present invention which is particularly suitable for use as a towel rack. This assembly includes an elongate member 2i and a lower hanger bar assembly A7. The lower hanger bar assembly includes a hanger rod bl which is mounted below and parallel to the elongate member. The hanger bar is suspended from the elongate member by means of a support bracket 62 which is slidably mounted in one of the slots in the elongate member. A mounting bracket 36 is mounted in another of the slots intermediate the ends of the elongate member, and end pieces 96 are mounted in the internal bore 311. The lower hanger rod assembly 17 is adapted for movement longitudinally of the clon gate member, and spacer members 911 are provided in the remaining slots. The lower hanger bar is particularly suitable for holding a washcloth. llf desired, the orientation of the lower hanger rod assembly can be reversed, so that when the support bracket 62 is in the position illustrated, the hanger bar s11 will extend beyond the end of the elongate member. With this alternate orientation, access to the lower rod is provided even when a towel is hung over the elongate member. Also if desired, the lower assembly can be slid underneath the towel and hidden from view.

An assembly embodying the present invention which is particularly suitable for use with coat hangers is shown in FIG. Ml. This assembly includes an elongate member ill with a plurality of longitudinally spaced hanger brackets Ad mounted in a slot which opens vertically downward. Spacer members hll are mounted intermediate the hanger brackets and in the remaining slots. This assembly is particularly well suited for mounting by means of mounting brackets which engage the wall 32 of the internal bore 31, such as the brackets 1102 shown in FIG. to.

FIG. lltl also shows a hanger assembly embodying the present invention which is particularly suitable for hanging curtains, such as window curtains or shower curtains. This as- J sembly includes an elongate member 2t and a plurality of curtain fastener buttons 49 which are slidably mounted in one of the slots 23 of the elongate member. Spacer members 911 are mounted in the remaining slots, and the curtain fastener buttons are adapted for movement longitudinally of the elongate member to permit opening and closing of the curtains. This assembly is also particularly suitable for mounting by means of internal mounting brackets of the type shown in FIG. lid.

FlG. 117 shows a hanger assembly embodying the present invention which is particularly suitable for holding a roll of toilet paper. This assembly includes an elongate member 211 with spacer members 91 mounted in each of its slots 23. A mounting bracket 36 is also mounted in one of the slots proximate one end 33 of the elongate member. An end piece 96 is mounted in the internal bore at the end 353 of the member, and an end piece 107 is provided at the opposite end 95. A roll of toilet paper is mounted on the assembly by removing the large end piece MW and sliding the roll over the elongate member. When the large end piece is replaced, the roll of toilet paper is constrained between the mounting bracket 3M and the cap portion MW of the large end piece.

All of the components of the hanger rod construction and assemblies can be fabricated of aluminum, and all but the end pieces, end mounting brackets, and curtain fastener buttons can be formed by a conventional extrusion process. Other materials and/or other manufacturing processes can be employed if desired. Where aluminum is used, the various components can easily be anodized different colors to enhance the appearance of the assemblies.

it is apparent from the foregoing that the present invention provides a new and improved hanger rod construction and assemblies utilizing the construction. While only the preferred embodiments of the construction and assemblies have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the basic components can be combined in other ways and certain modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Iclaim:

l. in a hanger rod construction, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface disposed toward the axis of said elongate member and sidewalls having substantially planar surfaces extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, said bottom surface including a planar central portion tangentially oriented with respect to the axis of said elongate member and convexly arcuate side portions extending inwardly of the plane of the central portion from each edge thereof and joining said central portion to said sidewalls.

2. A hanger rod construction as in claim ll wherein said elongate member is formed to include a circular internal bore.

3. A hanger rod construction as in claim 1 wherein the outer surface of said elongate member includes longitudinally extending concave portions intermediate said peripherally spaced undercut slots.

4. A hanger rod construction as in claim ll wherein said elongate member is a right cylinder.

5. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface ineluding a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls having substantially planar surfaces extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said bottom surface including a planar central portion tangentially oriented with respect to the axis of said elongate member and convexly arcuate side portions extending inwardly of the plane of the central portion from each side thereof and joining said central portion to said sidewalls, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.

6. In an assembly of the character described, a member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottom surfaces, an upper hook member and a lower hook member mounted in said slots, each hook member having an upwardly extending prong portion and a tapered foot portion, said foot portion engaging the sidewalls of said undercut slots and having a width equal to the length of said member, a mounting bracket having a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls of one of said undercut slots, said foot portion having a width equal to the length of said member, spacer bars mounted in any remaining slots, said spacer bars having inclined sidewalls corresponding to the inclined sidewalls of said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said member, and end pieces having plug portions extending into the internal bore of said member and engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portions overlying the ends of said cylindrical member.

7. in an assembly of the character described, an elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottom surface, a plurality of hooks mounted in said undercut slots and spaced longitudinally of said elongate member, said hooks comprising upper and lower members having upwardly extending prong portions and tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said undercut slots, mounting brackets having tapered foot portions mounted in said undercut slots, said tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, spacer members mounted in said slots intermediate said hook members and said mounting brackets and in any remaining slots, said spacer members having inclined sidewalls corresponding to the sidewalls of said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the contour of the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and end pieces having plug portions extending into the internal bore of said cylindrical member and engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portions overlying the ends of said cylindrical member.

8. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottom surface, at least one hanger bar below and parallel to said elongate member, said hanger bar being suspended from said elongate member by means of a support bracket having a tapered foot portion slidably mounted in one of said slots and adapted for movement longitudinally of said elongate member, a mounting bracket mounted in one of said undercut slots intermediate the ends of said rod member, said mounting bracket including a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls of said slot, spacer members mounted in said slots, said spacer members having inclined sidewalls corresponding to the sidewalls of said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and end pieces having plug portions extending into the internal bore of said elongate member and engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portions overlying the ends of said rod member.

9. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottom surface, a plurality of downwardly extending hanger brackets mounted in one of said slots and spaced longitudinally of said elongate member, said hanger brackets including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slot and hanger portions adapted for engaging the hook portions of coat hangers, spacer members mounted in said slots, said spacer members having inclined sidewalls corresponding to the sidewalls in said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and mounting brackets mounted in the internal bore of said elongate member, said mounting brackets including plug portions extending into said internal bore and engaging the walls thereof.

10. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottom surface, a plurality of curtain fastener buttons slidably mounted in one of said slots, said buttons including means for holding curtains and having conically tapered portions engaging the sidewalls of said slot, said buttons being adapted for movement longitudinally of said rod member to permit opening and closing of said curtains, spacer members mounted in the remaining slots, said spacer members having inclined sides conforming to the inclined sidewalls of said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and mounting brackets mounted in the internal bore of said elongate member, said mounting brackets including plug portions extending into said internal bore and engaging the walls thereof.

11. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottom surface, said elongate member being adapted for passing through the tubular core of a roll of toilet paper, a mounting bracket mounted in one of said slots proximate to one end of said elongate member, said mounting bracket including a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls of said slot, spacer bars mounted in said slots, said spacer bars including inclined sidewalls corresponding to the inclined sidewalls of said slots, and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and end pieces having plug portions extending into the internal bore of said cylindrical member and engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portions overlying the ends of said elongate member, the end piece opposite said mounting bracket being removably mounted and having its cap portion extending radially outward beyond said rod member to provide means for retaining a roll of toilet paper on said rod member.

12. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member, and spacer members mounted in said slots, said spacer members having inclined sidewalls corresponding to the inclined sidewalls of said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member to provide a pleasing appearance.

13. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that said slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means removably mounted in at least one of said slots, said hanger means including a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls of said slot, retainer means carried by said hanger means and engaging the bottom surface of said slot for urging said tapered foot portion against the inclined sidewalls of said slot, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.

14. A hanger rod assembly as in claim 13 wherein said retainer means includes a set screw.

15. A hanger rod assembly as in claim 13 wherein said retainer means includes a resilient member.

lo. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface in cluding a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bot tom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewall, a plurality of hooks removably mounted in one of said slots and spaced longitudinally of said elongate member, said hooks including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.

17. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, a plurality of downwardly extending hanger brackets spaced longitudinally of said elongate member and adapted for engaging the hook portions of coat hangers, each of said hanger brackets having a foot portion engaging the sidewalls of one of said slots, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.

18. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spacedapart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means ill removably mounted in at least one of said slots, said hanger means including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, and at least one mounting bracket including means extending into the internal bore of said elongate member and engaging the' walls thereof.

l9. In a hanger rod assembly a horizontally extending elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spacedapart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means removably mounted in at least one of said slots, said hanger means including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member, and an end piece having a plug portion extending into said internal bore and engaging the walls thereof and a cap portion overlying one end of said elongate member.

20. in a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bot tom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is: wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, a downwardly extending support bracket having a tapered foot portion disposed in one of said undercut slots and adapted for movement longitudinally of said elongate member, a hanger bar carried by said support bracket In a position below and parallel to said elongate member, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.

Claims

1. In a hanger rod construction, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface disposed toward the axis of said elongate member and sidewalls having substantially planar surfaces extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, said bottom surface including a planar central portion tangentially oriented with respect to the axis of said elongate member and convexly arcuate side portions extending inwardly of the plane of the central portion from each edge thereof and joining said central portion to said sidewalls.

2. A hanger rod construction as in claim 1 wherein said elongate member is formed to include a circular internal bore.

4. A hanger rod construction as in claim 1 wherein said elongate member is a right cylinder.

5. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls having substantially planar surfaces extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said bottom surface including a planar central portion tangentially oriented with respect to the axis of said elongate member and convexly arcuate side portions extending inwardly of the plane of the central portion from each side thereof and joining said central portion to said sidewalls, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.

6. In an assembly of the character described, a member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottom surfaces, an upper hook member and a lower hook member mounted in said slots, each hook member having an upwardly extending prong portion and a tapered foot portion, said foot portion engaging the sidewalls of said undercut slots and having a width equal to the length of said member, a mounting bracket having a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls of one of said undercut slots, said foot portion having a width equal to the length of said member, spacer bars mounted in any remaining slots, said spacer bars having inclined side walls corresponding to the inclined sidewalls of said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said member, and end pieces having plug portionsextending into the internal bore of said member and engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portions overlying the ends of said cylindrical member.

9. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottom surface, a plurality of downwardly extending hanger brackets mounted in one of said slots and spaced longitudinally of said elongate member, said hanger brackets including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slot and hanger portions adapted for engaging the hook portions of coat hangers, spacer members mounted in said slots, said spacer members having inclined side walls corresponding to the sidewalls in said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and mounting brackets mounted in the internal bore of said elongate member, said mounting brackets including plug portions extending into said internal bore and engaging the walls thereof.

10. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined side walls extending outward from said bottom surface, a plurality of curtain fastener buttons slidably mounted in one of said slots, said buttons including means for holding curtains and having conically tapered portions engaging the sidewalls of said slot, said buttons being adapted for movement longitudinally of said rod member to permit opening and closing of said curtains, spacer members mounted in the remaining slots, said spacer members having inclined sides conforming to the inclined sidewalls of said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and mounting brackets mounted in the internal bore of said elongate member, said mounting brackets including plug portions extending into said internal bore and engaging the walls thereof.

11. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottom surface, said elongate member being adapted for passing through the tubular core of a roll of toilet paper, a mounting bracket mounted in one of said slots proximate to one end of said elongate member, said mounting bracket including a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls of said slot, spacer bars mounted in said slots, said spacer bars including inclined sidewalls corresponding to the inclined sidewalls of said slots, and a curved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and end pieces having plug portions extending into the internal bore of said cylindrical member and engaging the internal wallsthereof and cap portions overlying the ends of said elongate member, the end piece opposite said mounting bracket being removably mounted and having its cap portion extending radially outward beyond said rod member to provide means for retaining a roll of toilet paper on said rod member.

13. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that said slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means removably mounted in at least one of said slots, said hanger means including a tapered foot portion engaging the side walls of said slot, retainer means carried by said hanger means and engaging the bottom surface of said slot for urging said tapered foot portion against the inclined sidewalls of said slot, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.

16. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said side walls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewall, a plurality of hooks removably mounted in one of said slots and spaced longitudinally of said elongate member, said hooks including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.

18. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means removably mounted in at least one of said slots, said hanger means including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, and at least one mounting bracket including means extending into the internal bore of said elongate member and engaging the walls thereof.

19. In a hanger rod assembly a horizontally extending elongate member having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means removably mounted in at least one of said slots, said hanger means including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member, and an end piece having a plug portion extending into said internal bore and engaging the walls thereof and a cap portion overlying one end of said elongate member.

20. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said side walls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, a downwardly extending support bracket having a tapered foot portion disposed in one of said undercut slots and adapted for movement longitudinally of said elongate member, a hanger bar carried by said support bracket in a position below and parallel to said elongate member, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.