US3734440A

US3734440A - Fixture for traverse rod

Info

Publication number: US3734440A
Application number: US00273375A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Hoare
Original assignee: Kirsch Co
Current assignee: Cooper Industries LLC
Priority date: 1972-07-20
Filing date: 1972-07-20
Publication date: 1973-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 1990-05-22

Abstract

A universal fixture for alternately supporting either end of a traverse rod is a molded plastic monolith. The fixture is usable with an end adapter of the kind having a substantially L crosssection trim portion and a substantially rectangular coupler behind and below the forward and upper elements of the trim panel and carrying a rearwardly extending tab. The fixture is adapted to be mounted upon a bracket having a forwardly extending arm. The fixture comprises a substantially planar base mountable on the bracket arm and spaced upstanding walls on the base centrally connected by a baffle and defining upwardly and downwardly opening channels alternately usable for receiving the coupler of end adapters on opposite end of the rod, the coupler being receivable within the upwardly opening one of the channels. A step on one such wall remote from the base provides an abutment for the tab of the end adapter to prevent longitudinal movement of the coupler out of the channel. Means are provided for rigidifying the walls and connecting the fixture to the bracket and end adapter trim panel.

Description

Elite tates atent n 1 Hoare [54] FIXTURE FOR TRAVERSE R01) [75] Inventor: John J. Hoare, Sturgis, Mich.

[73] Assignee: Kirsch Company, Sturgis, Mich.

[221 Filed: July 20, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 273,375

52 U.S.Cl. ..248/265,16/94D 51 1nt.Cl. ..A47h 1/10 [58] FieldofSearch ..24s/252,2s4,2ss,

Primary Examiner-J. Franklin Foss Attorney-Woodhams, Blanchard & Flynn [57} ABSTRACT A universal fixture for alternately supporting either end of a traverse rod is a molded plastic monolith. The fixture is usable with an end adapter of the kind having a substantially L cross-section trim portion and a substantially rectangular coupler behind and below the forward and upper elements of the trim panel and carrying a rearwardly extending tab. The fixture is adapted to be mounted upon a bracket having a forwardly extending arm. The fixture comprises a substantially planar base mountable on the bracket arm and spaced upstanding walls on the base centrally connected by a baffie and defining upwardly and downwardly opening channels alternately usable for receiving the coupler of end adapters on opposite end of the rod, the coupler being receivable within the upwardly opening one of the channels. A step on one such wall remote from the base provides an abutment for the tab of the end adapter to prevent longitudinal movement of the coupler out of the channel. Means are provided for rigidifying the walls and connecting the fixture to the bracket and end adapter trim panel.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures FIXTURE FOR TRAVERSE ROD FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for supporting a traverse rod at the ends thereof and more particularly to such apparatus including a universal fixture alternately usable at opposite ends of the traverse rod for connection to and support of a traverse rod end adapter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Traverse rods of various kinds have been known for many years and a wide variety of brackets have been used to support same. One type of rod and support arrangement which has been advantageously used for a long period of time has included an end adapter at each end of the rod, such end adapters being substantially mirror images of each other and each including a suitable pulley unit incorporating pulleys or the like for guiding and changing the direction of traverse rod cords. Such apparatus has included a support bracket assembly for each end of the rod, each such assembly including a bracket securable to a supporting wall or the like and having a portion extending forwardly therefrom for supporting a suitable fixture, the latter normally being adjustably positionable on the forwardly extending portion of the bracket at a desired distance from the supporting wall. One prior type of fixture is provided with an upwardly opening channel for receiving downwardly thereinto a portion of the adjacent rod end adapter. Prior fixtures of this type, of which I am aware, have been constructed from a metal sheet, wherein the channel is formed by a punching and bending operation. While this prior fixture type has been satisfactory in many respects, it is disadvantageous in that two differently configured, i.e. mirror imaged, fixtures must be provided for mounting a given traverse rod, a righthand fixture for the rightward rod end and a lefthand fixture for the other rod end.

Applicant has noted that the necessity for providing two differing fixtures for each traverse rod installation (a lefthand fixture and a righthand fixture) has caused a substantial problem in balancing of inventories all along the chain of distribution. The problem is compounded because of the fact that parts must be maintained in inventory not only for manufacturing of new traverse rod assemblies but, more importantly, also for replacement purposes for existing traverse rod installations. Even where a given traverse rod system design has been discontinued and is no longer being manufactured, parts must still be maintained in inventory for replacement purposes for many years, often as much as twenty years. Thus, considering this period of time in addition to the period of time in which a given traverse rod system may be in production, it may be necessary to maintain in inventory at all stages along the chain of distribution both lefthanded and righthanded fixtures for a period spanning perhaps thirty to forty years. The necessity for maintaining a balanced inventory of both righthanded and lefthanded fixtures may require maintaining an inventory of an excessive number of such fixtures.

Applicant has further noted that inventories could be reduced substantially, in some instances by almost half, if a universal fixture alternatively usable at either end of the rod could be provided.

However, no satisfactory universal sheet metal fixture has been developed as a replacement for the prior fixture above-discussed, despite the substantial and long-continuing efforts, which is capable of alternative use at either end of the traverse rod, for example, by a simple rotation about its forward-rearward length axis.

The quest for such a universal fixture has been made difficult by the fact that the fixture must be compact and adaptable to use with existing traverse rod-bracket assemblies as a replacement for existing lefthand or righthand fixtures and thus must meet certain configurational and size limitations. Thus, a relatively compact fixture is required.

This quest has further been made difficult by the fact that the traverse rod market in general is a highly competitive one in which small differences in manufacturing cost can spell the difference between success or failure of a given piece of traverse rod apparatus in the marketplace. In consequence, attempts to provide such a universal fixture by fastening together in one way or another several separate components have not been feasible.

Accordingly, the primary objects of the invention include provision of:

1. A fixture adapted to support the end adapter of a traverse rod on a bracket securable to a supporting wall or the like.

2. A fixture, as aforesaid, which is universal in the sense of being capable of alternative use at either end of the rod and wherein such alternative use is achievable without the need for adjustment or rearrangement or components of the fixture but rather simply by a rotation of the fixture alone, or if supported on a bracket by a rotation of the combined bracket and fixture, through a half circle about the length axis thereof.

3. A fixture, as aforesaid, which can be manufactured inexpensively and sold competitively with pre-existing non-universal fixtures and which can be used with preexisting brackets and end adapters in place of such preexisting fixtures.

4. A fixture, as aforesaid, which is compact and has substantially the same space requirements as preexisting fixtures and which can be effectively hidden from view by existing brackets and trim panels on traverse rods.

5. A fixture, as aforesaid, securable to a bracket with pre-existing hardware and adapted to receive the coupling portion of a rod end adapter by a simple insertion of the coupler thereinto but which in addition can be additionally fixed to the portion of the end adapter by screws, bolts or the like if desired.

6. A fixture, as aforesaid, which requires relatively little surrounding free space to allow installation of the rod end adapter thereon and which can be mounted relatively close to an adjacent wall or ceiling without interfering with installation or removal of the rod therefrom.

Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent to persons acquainted with apparatus of this general type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary oblique view of the end portion of a traverse rod system utilizing a fixture according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially broken elevational view of the inner side of the fixture of FIG. 1 and disclosing a portion of a rod end adapter coupler in installed position therein.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view substantially taken on the line Ill-III of FIG. 2 and additionally disclosing portions of a rod end adapter and bracket in installed position with respect to the fixture.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the fixture of FIG. 1 showing an associated bracket in central cross-section and attached to a wall and further showing a fragment of a rod end adapter in installed position with respect to the fixture.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view substantially taken on the line VV of FIG. 2.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. The words up, down, right and left will designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words front" and rear" will refer to directions to the right and left in FIGS. 1 and 4. The words in and out will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the apparatus and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include derivatives and words of similar import.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The objects and purposes of the invention are met by providing a universal fixture for alternately supporting either end of a traverse rod. The fixture is a molded plastic monolith. The fixture is usable with an end adapter having a substantially L cross-section trim portion and a substantially rectangular coupler behind and below the forward and upper elements of the trim panel and carrying a rearwardly extending tab. The fixture is adapted to be mounted upon a bracket having a forwardly extending arm. The fixture comprises a substantially planar base mountable on the bracket arm and spaced upstanding walls on the base centrally connected by a baffle and defining upwardly and downwardly opening channels alternately usable for receiving the coupler of end adapters on opposite ends of the rod, the coupler being receivable within the upwardly opening one of the channels. A step on one such wall remote from the base provides an abutment for the tab of the end adapter to prevent longitudinal movement of the coupler out of the channel. Means are provided for rigidifying the walls and connecting the fixture to the bracket and end adapter trim panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION tional nature. The end adapter includes a generally b cross-section panel 21 comprising integral, rearwardly extending and downwardly extending

trim plates

22 and 23 adapted to cover the upper and lower surfaces of the fixture 18 from view. The end of the panel 21 adjacent the rod 11 is rolled to form a substantially C' cross-section attachment portion 26 adapted to receive the adjacent end of the rod 11 telescopingly therewithin to mount the end adapter on the rod end. A pulley unit 28 extends from the rearwardly extending trim panel 22 and is fixed thereto by a suitable flange 29. Pulleys, one of which is shown at 30, are carried by the pulley unit 28 to guide and change the direction of conventional traverse cords, not shown. The outer (leftward in FIG. 1) end of the pulley unit 28 comprises a coupler 31 which in the particular embodiment shown is of hollow rectangular form as seen in FIG. 2, the length axis of which is parallel to the rod 11, the coupler being spaced below and behind the

plates

22 and 23, respectively. A tab 33 extends rearwardly (leftwardly in FIG. 1) at its outer end located intermediate the top and bottom thereof.

The bracket 14 comprises a fastening flange 36 perforated, for example at 37, for reception of suitable fastening devices, such as screws 38, for securing the fastening flange 36 to any suitable support such as an upstanding wall 16. The bracket 14 further includes a substantially planar, forwardly extending arm 39. The longitudinal edges of the arm 39 are folded to form shallow parallel lips 41 extending toward the traverse rod 11. Attachment holes 42 are strategically located on the arm 39 for fastening of fixtures of various kinds thereof, including the fixture 18. In addition, and for the same purpose, elongate and centrally located slots extend longitudinally of the arm as indicated at 44. The bracket 14 here shown is preferably symmetrical about the longitudinal central plane of its arm 39 so that by a simple rotation of such bracket about the length axis of the arm 39 thereof, such bracket can be used for supporting the other end (not shown) of the traverse rod 11. The rod 11, end adapter 21 and bracket 14 as above-described are substantially of a conventional nature and are believed to require no further discussion.

Turning now to the fixture 18, (FIGS. 1 and 2) with which the present invention is most particularly concerned, same preferably comprises a molded unitary, or monolithic, structure of substantially rigid plastic material. The fixture 18 comprises a preferably planar base 46 snugly disposable between the lips 41 of the bracket arm 39 and in substantially continuous abutment with the central portion of the arm 39. In its normal position of installation on the bracket, the base 46 of the fixture normally lies in a vertical, forwardlyrearwardly extending plane and faces the end adapter.

A forward wall 48 extends transversely from the base 46, at the forward end thereof and preferably at right angles thereto, toward the center of the traverse rod, the forward wall preferably lying in substantially vertical plane in its normal position of installation shown in the drawings. The corners of the forward wall 48 remote from the base 46 are preferably notched as indicated at 49.

An intermediate wall 51 is spaced rearwardly from the forward wall 48, preferably in parallel relation thereto, and extends from the fixture base 46 in a similar manner. A substantially planar baffle 53 interconnects central portions of the

walls

48 and 51 and of the portion of the base 46 therebetween for defining, with the

walls

48 and 51 and base 46, an upper channel 56 and a lower channel 57 separated by the baffle 53. Such'upp er'and lower channels open respectively upwardly anddownwardly and both also open away from the base toward the traverse rod.

The central portion of the edge of the intermediate wall 51 remote from the base 46 is stepped, or offset, toward the forward wall 48 as indicated at 59, producing a substantially rectilinear depression in the rearward face of the intermediate wall 51. As seen from the forward side of the intermediate wall 51, the stepped portion 59 provides forwardly offset, mirror imaged but otherwise

similar masses

61 and 61A in the upper and

lower channels

56 and 57, respectively. Thus, the mass 61 (FIG. 5), for example, provides an upwardly facing stepped surface 66 extending leftwardly from the base 46 in adjacent spaced relation from the baffie 53 and a further upwardly facing stepped surface 64 spaced upwardly and leftwardly from the surface 63, the surface 64 being spaced adjacent but below the upper end of the intermediate wall 51 and extending from the free vertical edge 66 thereof. The spacing of surface 64 from the upper edge of wall 51 preferably corresponds to and may somewhat exceed the height of the tab 33. The adjacent edges of

surfaces

63 and 64 are interconnected by long and short, substantially vertical surfaces 68 and 69 opposed to the base 46 and connected by a sloped surface 71. To facilitate the molding operation, an opening 72 may be provided in the base 46 in opposition to the

surfaces

68, 69 and 71. The mass 61A in lower channel 57, being a mirror image of the mass 61 above-described with respect to the upper channel, requires no further description, and surfaces thereof will be referred to by the same reference numerals as corresponding surfaces in the upper channel 56 abovedescribed, but with the suffix A added thereto.

Flanges 76 and 77 (FIG. 1) extend rearwardly from and connect the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the intermediate wall 51 to the upper and lower edges of the base 46. Slots 78 are provided in each of the

flanges

76 and 77 and extend from the base 46 and may be utilized with a suitable fastener, such as a conventional nut and bolt not shown, for securing, if desired the rearwardly extending trim plate 22 of the end adapter to the fixture 18.

A boss 81 is preferably located on the longitudinal center line of the base between the rearward edge of the base and the intermediate wall 51 and is provided with holes 82 for reception of suitable fastening devices, such as a self-tapping screw 83 (FIG. 4), extending through one of the slots 44 in the bracket 14 for securing the fixture 18 to the bracket 14. If desired, further holes 84 (FIG. 2) may be provided in the base 46 in such locations as to be alignable with ones of the holes 42 in the bracket arm 39 to provide for additional or alternative securement of the fixture to the bracket.

A substantially triangular strengthening web 86 preferably extends from the forward end of the boss to the intermediate wall 51 in coplanar relation with the baffle 53 for rigidifying the interconnection of the walls to the base.

OPERATION The fixture 18 is normally secured to the arm 39 of the bracket 14 between the lips 41 by means such as the screw 83 extending through the bracket slot 44 into one of the boss holes 82, the forward end of the fixtures normally being located at or near the forward end of the bracket arm 39, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

With the bracket then mounted on a suitable supporting wall, such as wall 16 in FIG. 4, the end adapter 13 normally fixed to the end of the traverse rod 11 can be secured in supported relation to the fixture 18 in the manner following. More particularly, with the elements oriented as shown in FIG. 1, downward movement of the end adapter and traverse rod move the coupler 31 and tab 33 downwardly into the upper channel 56. More particularly, the coupler 31 slides snugly and with some friction between the

walls

48 and 51 until it bottoms on the baffle 53. As the coupler 31 enters the channel, the tab 33 thereof moves downwardly between the surfaces 68, 71 and the base 46 to a final position indicated in broken lines in FIG. 5, whereat the tab snugly abuts the lower vertical surface 69 of mass 61 for preventing separating displacement of the fixture and end adapter in a direction longitudinally of the rod 11. It will be understood that during installation, that the upper portion of forward wall 48 of the fixture is received between the coupler 31 and downwardly extending trim plate 23 of the end adapter. In certain instances, as in the case of slight misalignment between the coupler and the channel, the coupler may move into the channel at an angle so that the tab 33 moves angularly across the

surfaces

64, 68 and 71, being cammed by the latter surface into its final position indicated in FIG. 5.

The fixture 18 is preferably bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the central plane defined by the baffle 53, web 86 and boss 81. Thus, the fixture 18, when applied to the similarly bilaterally symmetrical bracket 14 and by a simple rotation about the length axis of the bracket arm 39, can be used to support and engage the end adapter at the other end not shown of the traverse rod. When used at the rightward end of the rod shown in FIG. 1, the channel 56 receives the coupler 31 of the rightward end adapter and when used at the opposite end (not shown) of the rod, the channel 57 is arranged to open upwardly and receives the corresponding coupler of the leftward end adapter (not shown).

With the coupler 31 fully installed in the fixture 18 the parts shown in FIG. 1 are arranged so that the bottom of the coupler 31 rests atop the baffie 53, the coupler 31 lying within the channel 56 in such manner that the tab 33 thereof abuts the lower vertical mass surface 69 below the sloped portion 71 thereof as seen in FIG. 5, the tab 33 thus bearing against the mass 61 to prevent lateral removal of the coupler from the fixture by movement in the length direction of the rod. The channel 56 is dimensioned to snugly receive the coupler 31 to prevent rocking or twisting of the rod in the plane of the base 46. In such position, the downwardly extending trim plate 23 lies immediately in front of the forward wall 48 of the fixture and the rearwardly extending trim plate 22 lies atop the flange 76 of the fixture substantially in coplanar relation with the lip 41 of bracket 14 whereby the end adapter can be secured against upward movement with respect to the fixture by use of a suitable connector (such as a nut and bolt connection not shown) extending through the slot 78 in flange 76 and through an aligned opening of the rearwardly extending trim plate 22.

Removal of the end adapter from the fixture 18 is readily accomplished by a reversal of the steps abovementioned utilized in installation, that is by removal of any connector employed to secure the plate 22 to flange 76 and then by a substantially vertical removal of the coupler 31 from channel 56.

Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A fixture for supporting a traverse rod having an end adapter including an upstanding substantially rectangular coupler with a transversely extending tab at its outer end and usable in conjunction with a bracket fixed to and extending forwardly from a supporting wall or the like, said fixture comprising:

a substantially planar base adapted to be fixed to the forwardly extending portion of said bracket substantially in a vertically and forwardly extending plane transverse to the length dimension of the traverse rod to be carried thereby;

a forward wall extending transversely from said base toward said traverse rod in a substantially vertical plane;

an intermediate wall extending from said base and rearwardly spaced substantially parallel to said forward wall, one of said forward and intermediate walls being provided with a stepped portion remote from said base and displaced toward the other of said walls for receiving said tab therebehind to prevent axial movement of said traverse rod away from said fixture;

substantially horizontal baffle means interconnecting said base and central portions of said walls for defining mirror imaged, substantially identical channels opening toward said traverse rod and bounded by said walls and said base, the upper of said channels opening upwardly and the lower of said channels opening downwardly whereby said coupler is receivable in said upper channel for supporting said end adapter and traverse rod on said fixture.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said intermediate wall as seen from within said upper channel comprises a substantially horizontal upper stepped surface remote from said base and near the upper end of said intermediate wall, a substantially horizontal lower stepped surface extending outwardly from said base wall from said base and located adjacent said baffle, a substantially vertical riser surface spaced from and facing said base for receiving said tab thereagainst and means including a sloped surface for facilitating guiding of said tab into said channel, said riser surface extending upwardly from the outer end of said lower stepped surface and connecting through said sloped surface to the inner end of said upper stepped surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said end adapter is substantially L-shaped in cross section including rearwardly and downwardly extending trim plates adapted to receive the top and front of said fixture, the upper portion of said forward wall being receivable between said coupler and said downwardly extending trim plate when the end adapter is mounted on said fixture.

4. Apparatus for supporting the end of a traverse rod, comprising in combination:

an end adapter fixed to the end of a traverse rod and including a substantially rectangular coupler spaced rearwardly therefrom, the outer end of the coupler having a rearwardly extending tab;

a bracket including a flange mountable on a wall or the like and an arm extending forwardly from said flange;

a fixture for supporting said end adapter on said bracket, said fixture including a substantially planar base securable in a substantially vertical plane to the inward face of said bracket arm, spaced substantially parallel forward and intermediate walls extending in substantially vertical planes transversely from said base toward said traverse rod, a substantially horizontal baffle connecting the opposed central portion of said forward and intermediate walls and extending transversely from said base, said baffle and wall defining opposed upwardly and downwardly opening channels, each said channel being closed at its inner end by said base, the outer end of each the channel opening toward the traverse rod, said coupler being receivable in said upwardly opening channel, said intermediate wall having a portion along its outer edge stepped toward the forward wall for receiving said tabs therebehind so as to prevent movement of said rod end adapter longitudinally of said channel;

whereby said rod is fixedly supportable on said brackets by reason of longitudinally fixed engagement of said end adapter with respect to said fixture, said bracket and fixture being rotatable through about the length axis of said bracket arm for supporting a corresponding, mirror imaged end adapter at the other end of said rod.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said fixture is of molded plastic material and is symmetrical about the central plane of said baffle whereby upon rotation of said fixture about an axis transverse to said walls, either of said channels may be caused to face upwardly and thereby allow alternative mounting of either end of the rod with respect thereto.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 including spaced substantially horizontal fastening flanges extending rearwardly along said body from the upper and lower ends of said intermediate wall, said flanges being provided with openings, said end adapter having a rearwardly extending horizontal flange capable of overlying the upper of said flanges of said fixture for fastening thereto to positively prevent raising of said end adapter and rod out of supported relation with said fixture.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 including a boss extending from said base between said rearwardly extending flanges and provided with holes for mounting of said fixture on said bracket arm, a web extending from said boss to said intermediate wall in substantially coplanar alignment with said baffle for bracing said walls against tilting movement with respect to said base.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said stepped portion of said intermediate wall is spaced from the upper and lower ends of said intermediate wall and defines at its ends upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces for facilitating entrance of said tab into the por tion of said channel between said stepped portion and said face.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said fixture is a molded unitary structure and substantially bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the plane of said baffle, whereby upon a 180 rotation of said fixture about an axis transverse to said walls, said fixture can be used to support either end of said traverse rod by alternate use of said upper and lower channels.

Claims

1. A fixture for supporting a traverse rod having an end adapter including an upstanding substantially rectangular coupler with a transversely extending tab at its outer end and usable in conjunction with a bracket fixed to and extending forwardly from a supporting wall or the like, said fixture comprising: a substantially planar base adapted to be fixed to the forwardly extending portion of said bracket substantially in a vertically and forwardly extending plane transverse to the length dimension of the traverse rod to be carried thereby; a forward wall extending transversely from said base toward said traverse rod in a substantially vertical plane; an intermediate wall extending from said base and rearwardly spaced substantially parallel to said forward wall, one of said forward and intermediate walls being provided with a stepped portion remote from said base and displaced toward the other of said walls for receiving said tab therebehind to prevent axial movement of said traverse rod away from said fixture; substantially horizontal baffle means interconnecting said base and central portions of said walls for defining mirror imaged, substantially identical channels opening toward said traverse rod and bounded by said walls and said base, the upper of said channels opening upwardly and the lower of said channels opening downwardly whereby said coupler is receivable in said upper channel for supporting said end adapter and traverse rod on said fixture.

4. Apparatus for supporting the end of a traverse rod, comprising in combination: an end adapter fixed to the end of a traverse rod and including a substantially rectangular coupler spaced rearwardly therefrom, the outer end of the coupler having a rearwardly extending tab; a bracket including a flange mountable on a wall or the like and an arm extending forwardly from said flange; a fixture for supporting said end adapter on said bracket, said fixture including a substantially planar base securable in a substantially vertical plane to the inward face of said bracket arm, spaced substantially parallel forward and intermediate walls extending in substantially vertical planes transversely from said base toward said traverse rod, a substantially horizontal baffle connecting the opposed central portion of said forward and intermediate walls and extending transversely from said base, said baffle and wall defining opposed upwardly and downwardly opening channels, each said channel being closed at its inner end by said base, the outer end of each the channel opening toward the traverse rod, said coupler being receivable in said upwardly opening channel, said intermediate wall having a portion along its outer edge stepped toward the forward wall for receiving said tabs therebehind so as to prevent movement of said rod end adapter longitudinally of said channel; whereby said rod is fixedly supportable on said brackets by reason of longitudinally fixed engagement of said end adapter with respect to said fixture, said bracket and fixture being rotatable through 180* about the length axis of said bracket arm for supporting a corresponding, mirror imaged end adapter at the other end of said rod.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said stepped portion of said intermediate wall is spaced from the upper and lower ends of said intermediate wall and defines at its ends upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces for facilitating entrance of said tab into the portion of said channel between said stepped portion and said face.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said fixture is a molded unitary structure and substantially bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the plane of said baffle, whereby upon a 180* rotation of said fixture about an axis transverse to said walls, said fixture can be used to support either end of said traverse rod by alternate use of said upper and lower channels.