Hook tool for moving hanging garments on conveyor rack system. From Alorna Coat Corp., Hoboken. 2009.
Entry/Object ID
2009.042.0007
Description
Hook tool for moving hanging garments on manual conveyor rack system. From Alorna Coat Corp. factory, 1515 Willow Ave., Hoboken as found in 2009. Date of manufacture or use only estimated as 1975-2000. Molded black plastic handle with extension spiral metal shaft with hook end; shaft retracts into handle; hanging loop at end of handle. Closed: 10" long; open: 16-1/4" (hanging loop length not included); handle ca. 1-1/8" diameter at widest. No maker's marks.
Device was used by sewing factory and warehouse workers to move coats on wire hangers grouped on trolleys that rolled on a conveyor track system through various stages of operations and storage; i.e. an employee reaches above the clothes to grab the trolley with the hook and pulls it along. See attached reference image that shows typical conveyor racks in this factory.
While the spiral device would appear to operate as a spiral rachet screwdriver would in that it automatically extends after unlocking, this item here does not have such a lock nor does the screw engage a spring to extend it. If it originally operated in such a way, it no longer does.
