Method of storing bundled items

A method of storing a bundle comprising:

• bundling at least one item such that the width of the bundle is substantially greater than the width of any one item in the bundle;
• providing first and second generally rigid jaw members each having a hinge end and an attachment end, each jaw member including an inner retaining surface and an outer press surface extending between the ends of the jaw member, the attachment end of the first jaw member having a latch element, the attachment end of the second jaw having a latch element configured to mate with the latch element of the first jaw member at a plurality of positions, the hinge ends of the jaw members having complementary recesses, the jaw members being connected together at their hinge ends with said complementary recesses aligned, such that the jaw members (i) have a first, self-sustaining open position in which the attachment ends are spaced well apart to define a bundle-receiving space and the inner retaining surfaces are generally not facing one another whereby the bundle may pass into and between the jaw members without requiring external pressure to maintain the jaw members in the open position, (ii) have a second, closed position in which the attachment ends are engaged and the inner retaining surfaces are in confronting relationship, and (iii) are self-aligned such that the attachment ends automatically engage together upon applying pressure on the outer press surfaces;
• placing the jaw members into the open position;
• passing the bundle through the bundle-receiving space in the open position;
• and
• placing the jaw members into the closed position with the bundle therein by applying pressure on the outer press surfaces of the jaw members until the inner retaining surfaces grasp against the bundle, and the latch elements of the jaw members self-align and mate together at a desired one of the plurality of positions.