Adjustable hanger bar assembly

Abstract

A hanger bar assembly comprises a first hanger bar, a second hanger bar, and a hanger bar holder. The first hanger bar and the second hanger bar are mechanically coupled where the first hanger bar slides relative to the second hang bar in a telescopic manner. The first hanger bar and the second hanger bar both include an interlocking structure that interlocks the first hanger bar with the second hanger bar, reducing lateral movement, such as backlash or slop. The hanger bar holder is used to hold at least one of the first hanger bar or the second hanger bar. The hanger bar holder includes a first section to guide at least the first hanger bar and a second section to guide at least the second hanger bar. The first section and the second section also constrain lateral movement of the first hanger bar and the second hanger bar, respectively.

1 . A hanger bar assembly ( 200 ), comprising:
 a first hanger bar ( 66 A) having a first interlocking structure ( 75 A);   a second hanger bar ( 66 B) having a second interlocking structure ( 75 B) to interlock with the first hanger bar, the second hanger bar being mechanically coupled to the first hanger bar such that the second hanger bar slides relative to the first hanger bar in a telescopic manner along a first axis; and   a hanger bar holder ( 56 ) to hold at least one of the first hanger bar or the second hanger bar,   wherein:   the first interlocking structure constrains lateral movement of the second hanger bar relative to the first hanger bar along a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis, perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis;   the second interlocking structure constrains lateral movement of the first hanger bar to the second hanger bar along the second axis and the third axis;   the hanger bar holder includes a frame ( 58 ) comprising:
 a first section ( 80 A) to guide at least the first hanger bar through the hanger bar holder along the first axis and constrain lateral movement of the first hanger bar relative to the hanger bar holder along the second axis and the third axis; and 
 a second section ( 80 B) to guide at least the second hanger bar through the hanger bar holder along the first axis and constrain lateral movement of the second hanger bar relative to the hanger bar holder along the second axis and the third axis, 
 wherein: 
 the frame partially surrounds the first hanger bar and the second hanger bar so as to form a passageway ( 82 ) for the first hanger bar and the second hanger bar; 
 the hanger bar holder has a length along the first axis; and 
 at least a portion of the first section of the frame and the second section of the frame are overlapping along at least a portion of the length of the hanger bar holder.