Hanger assembly

Abstract

A hanger assembly ( 10 ) is disclosed that is adapted for the useful purpose of hanging articles ( 17 ) from a generally cylindrical, vertical support member ( 8 ). The hanger assembly ( 10 ) comprises a hanger arm ( 16 ) which connects easily to the vertical support member ( 8 ) with attachment means ( 12 ) and extends to adjustable lengths to hold articles ( 17 ) securely in place. Brace ( 14 ) is attached to the underside of attachment means ( 12 ) and extends vertically down the vertical support member ( 8 ) for added support of the hanger assembly ( 10 ).

1 . A removably attachable hanger assembly, comprising attachment means for gripping a substantially cylindrical vertical support member, at least one hanger arm attached thereto and extending outward from said support member, and brace means contacting the underside of said support arm and the surface of said vertical support member beneath said attachment means for supporting said support arm.  
   
   
       2 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said attachment means comprises a resilient semicircular component adapted to clip onto said vertical member.  
   
   
       3 . The hanger assembly of  claim 2  wherein said resilient semicircular member comprises at least one springy material selected from the group consisting of polymeric materials, wood and metals.  
   
   
       4 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said attachment means comprises means for gripping the surface of said upright member.  
   
   
       5 . The hanger assembly of  claim 4  wherein said means for gripping comprise roughened rigid surfaces within said attachment means.  
   
   
       6 . The hanger assembly of  claim 4  wherein said means for gripping comprise adhesive surfaces.  
   
   
       7 . The hanger assembly of  claim 6  wherein said adhesive surfaces comprise at least one layer of double-sided foam adhesive tape.  
   
   
       8 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said attachment means comprises a substantially V-shaped bracket lined with means for gripping said upright member.  
   
   
       9 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said attachment means further comprises retaining means for encircling said vertical support member and securing to both sides of said attachment component.  
   
   
       10 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hanger arm and said brace means are attached to said attachment means so that said hanger arm projects at an acute angle measured from the top of said vertical support member.  
   
   
       11 . The hanger assembly of  claim 10  wherein said hanger arm projects at an angle of from about 40 to about 85 degrees from the top of said vertical member.  
   
   
       12 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hanger arm is substantially perpendicular to said vertical support member in the vertical plane.  
   
   
       13 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hanger arm comprises means for retaining in place items which are hung thereon.  
   
   
       14 . The hanger assembly of  claim 13  wherein said means for retaining are selected from the group selected from bumps, beads, notches, grooves, hooks, holes and loops.  
   
   
       15 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hanger arm comprises materials selected from the group consisting of metal, plastics and wood.  
   
   
       16 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hanger arm is scored or otherwise weakened in predetermined positions to allow measured portions to be broken off to produce an arm of the desired length.  
   
   
       17 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said brace is fastened to said hanger arm and said attachment means and adapted to rest against the surface of said vertical support member beneath said attachment means to brace said hanger arm when it is carrying objects of the expected weight and position.  
   
   
       18 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hanger arm comprises at least two telescoping components permitting adjustment of the length of said hanger arm.  
   
   
       19 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said brace means is hingedly attached to said attachment means to provide for adjustment of the angle of said brace means and said hanger arm in the horizontal plane.  
   
   
       20 . The hanger assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hanger arm is hingedly attached to said brace means to provide for adjustment of the angle of said hanger arm to said vertical support member in the vertical plane.  
   
   
       21 . A removably attachable ornament holder comprising: 
 a) attachment means comprising a resilient, springy semicircular bracket for gripping a substantially cylindrical vertical support member,    b) at least one hanger arm attached to said attachment means, substantially perpendicular to said vertical support member in the horizontal plane and forming an acute angle to said vertical support as measured from the top in the vertical plane, and    c) brace means attached to the underside of said hanger arm and said semicircular bracket and adapted to contact the surface of said vertical support member beneath said bracket so as to brace the assembly and retain it in position when said hanger arm is loaded.    
   
   
       22 . The hanger assembly of  claim 21  wherein said hanger arm comprises means for retaining hanging items thereon and weakened portions at predetermined positions to permit reduction in the length of said arm by breaking off portions of the distal end.