Abstract: A hanger storage assembly for handling garment hangers and the like is described including an elongated hanger bar for receiving and supporting the hangers and an elongated retainer bar that is positionable adjacent the hanger bar to engage and secure the hanger hooks interposed therebetween along the length of the hanger bar. The retainer bar is slidably mounted upon supporting members projecting from the hanger bar, each including a biasing spring to positon the retainer bar in adjacent, spaced, parallel alignment away from the hanger bar to allow access for loading. The assembly also includes a latch pair that engages and secures the retainer bar in a hanger-clamping position to hold the hangers on the hanger bar. The latch is releasable, allowing the biasing spring to slidably reposition the retainer bar for loading or unloading. The hanger bar is provided with ends caps which fit into a rack having retaining clips that support the hanger bar and prevent it from rotating.

Abstract: Modifications are made to earlier like purpose containers, set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,438,562 and 3,917,154, to fill the commercial requirement for such containers which will perform some of the functions in a less demanding way at a lower cost. These modified containers are likewise used to transfer merchandise between distribution service centers and retail stores, while security sealed in either an expanded or a reduced volume configuration. The principal modification centers on making, from an original one piece planar structure and keeping them together as one handling unit, both the functioning components, of the bottom with its side walls, and the liner, which together double the strength of the effective overall side structures of the containers, but not the shorter end structures.