vermont castings vigilant mitten rack?

Does have a idea on how they are used? Iv been puzzled by this for some time.

Aren't they just rods that slide out so you can hang mittens on them?

The rods, or the cast irons racks that bolt on the sides? If the rods, there should be a "L" shaped bend on the end. There should also be a couple of holes in the casting at the back of the stove top casting. You simply hold the rod vertically and stick the end of the L in the hole then lower the rod down to horizontal, swing it in and out to get the mittens closer and farther away from the stove. To store out of the way just raise them vertically and slide them all the way down.

The rods, the way you explained there use was the best way of useing them could think of.
thanks