by David Wyner

CROSS- REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] The present PCT patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. Utility patent application 14/245,956 dated 04-APR-2014 entitled "SUPPORT SYSTEM" under 35 USC 111(a). The contents of this related Utility application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0002] Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0003] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

[0004] Not applicable. COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to support systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a support system that mounts on a surface and includes swinging arms that enable items to be hung from multiple positions in relation to the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

[0008] The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that clothes hangers often take the shape of a human shoulder for supporting jackets, shirts, pants, and sweaters. A hook extends from an upper end of the clothes hanger.

[0009] Typically, closets and wardrobes intended for storing clothing are often limited in the amount of available space. Large collections of clothing may fill such a clothing storage spaces to such an extent that easily searching through the collection becomes difficult. It is desirable to make the most efficient use of limited closet space by increasing the number of clothing items which may be stored in a given volume. Several inventions have attempted to increase the usefulness of limited closet space.

[0010] In many instances, clothes pack sufficiently close together, such that the clothes can be pressed against a surface. The clothes may then be brought out for access and display.

[0011 ] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0013] FIGs. 1 A and IB illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary support system, where FIG. 1 A illustrates an exemplary support system joined with a mounting surface and swinging outwardly from the mounting surface, and FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary support system carrying at least one item and swinging outwardly from the mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary support system carrying at least one item and swinging flush with a mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIGs. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary frame portion, where FIG. 3A illustrates a top angle view of an exemplary frame portion, FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary mounting end, and FIG. 3C illustrates a close up view of an exemplary grip portion having a plurality of rubber nodules, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIGs. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary support portion, where FIG. 4A illustrates a top angle view of an exemplary support portion, FIG. 4B illustrates a close up view of an exemplary connector joining an exemplary frame end with an exemplary item end, and FIG. 4C illustrates a close up view of exemplary fasteners positioned for fastening an exemplary frame portion to an exemplary support portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support system, where an exemplary frame portion joins with an exemplary mounting member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

[0020] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures.

However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0021 ] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0022] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0023] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

[0024] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0025] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

[0026] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one

embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0027] Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way. [0028] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0029] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0030] Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

[0031] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and

compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0035] There are various types of support systems that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the support system may help support at least one item, such as a garment on a hanger, and enables the item to swing between a flush position against a mounting surface for storage, and swing outwardly up to 180° for display and access. The system may be configured to carry at least one item in a swinging motion up to 180° in relation to the mounting surface. The system may include at least one support portion that swings off of a frame portion to carry the at least one item. In this manner, the clothes may be moved in various positions relative to a mounting surface. Those skilled in the art will recognize that storage space may be maximized by swinging the items flush to the mounting surface when not needed. The present invention enables the items to be swung outwardly for display and access as needed.

[0036] In some embodiments, the at least one support portion may hingedly join with the frame portion. The frame portion may form a secure grip with the mounting surface. In this manner, heavier loads may be supported by the support portion. Additionally, the frame portion may join with at least one support portion at a rotatable connector that enables the at least one support portion to swing in multiple directions and dispositions in relation to the mounting surface.

[0037] In one embodiment, the frame portion may provide support for two swinging support portions configured to swing between a flush disposition and a fully extended 90° position in relation to the mounting surface. The support portion may be operable to perform this motion while carrying at least one item, whereby the items may be positioned in various locations in relation to a mounting surface. In this manner, the system may include a frame portion that forms a structural framework for mounting the system to a mounting surface, supporting the at least one item, and providing a general structural integrity to the system.

[0038] In some embodiments, the frame portion may include a mounting end disposed to join with the mounting surface, such as a vertical wall. The mounting end may include a grip portion for gripping to the mounting surface. The grip portion may include a plurality of nodules configured to create a small vacuum and friction forces with the mounting surface. In this manner, the grip may be enhanced. The grip portion may overlay the entire mount end for increasing the grip to the mounting surface. In some embodiments, the frame portion may include a front end that faces outwardly from the mounting surface. The frame portion may further include at least one swing reception aperture for receiving the at least one support portion and thereby, enabling the support portion to swing in relation to the mounting surface. In one embodiment, the frame portion may include an H-shaped frame having four swing reception apertures. The swing reception apertures that are not utilized for receiving the support portion may be covered with a cap. The cap may include a ridge for restricting movement of the items and also providing a curved surface over a possibly sharp swing reception aperture.

[0039] In some embodiments, the system may include at least one support portion. The support portion may include a generally L-shaped rod. A frame end of the support portion may at least partially pass through the at least one swing reception aperture. The frame end comprises a diameter equal or less than the swing reception aperture for enabling a swinging motion. The at least one support portion may further include an item end that extends from the frame end at a generally 90° angle. However in other embodiments, the angle between the frame end and the item end may vary. The item end may include a linear rod configured to at least partially receive the at least one item. For example, the rod receives a hanger supporting a garment. In some embodiments, the frame end and the item end are separate components joined at a connector, such as an elbow joint. The connector may enable the frame end and the item end to rotate in relation to each other.

[0040] FIGs. 1A and IB illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary support system, where FIG. 1 A illustrates an exemplary support system joined with a mounting surface and swinging outwardly from the mounting surface, and FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary support system carrying at least one item and swinging outwardly from the mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a support system 100 may help support at least one item 112, such as garments on hangers, and enables the item to swing between a flush position against a mounting surface 110 for storage, and swing outwardly up to 180° for display and access. In one embodiment, the system may be configured to carry at least one item in a swinging motion up to 180° in relation to a mounting surface. Those skilled in the art will recognize that storage space may be maximized by swinging the items flush to the mounting surface when not needed. The present invention enables the items to be swung outwardly for display and access as needed. In some embodiments, the system may include at least one support portion 104 that swings off of a frame portion 102 to carry the at least one item. The at least one item may include, without limitation, hangers, hangers supporting a garment, laundry, meat, and display items. The frame portion may mount to a mounting surface. The mounting surface may include, without limitation, a vertical wall, a sloped wall, a closet door, and a ceiling. In some embodiments, the swinging support portions may be mounted to the mounting surface via a regular bracket. In other embodiments, each support portion may feature its own bracket. In yet other embodiments, the support portions may feature hooks to go over doors, etc. The system may be manufactured in various colors and bearing various logos, emblems, and designs.

[0041 ] In some embodiments, the at least one support portion may hingedly join with the frame portion. The frame portion may form a secure grip with the mounting surface. In this manner, heavier loads may be supported by the support portion. Additionally, the frame portion may join with at least one support portion at a rotatable connector that enables the at least one support portion to pivot in various directions and dispositions in relation to the mounting surface. In one

embodiment, the frame portion and the support portion may include polyvinyl chloride piping of Schedule 40 grade with ½" diameter. However in other embodiments, suitable material may include, without limitation, high-density polyethylene, aluminum, a rigid polymer, polyurethane, metal, wood, fiber glass, carbon fiber, various alloys, and any combination of applicable materials.

[0042] In one embodiment, the frame portion may provide support for two swinging support portions configured to swing between a flush disposition and a fully extended 90° position in relation to the mounting surface. The support portion may be operable to perform this motion while carrying at least one item, whereby the items may be positioned in various locations in relation to a mounting surface. In this manner, the system may include a frame portion that forms a structural framework for mounting the system to a mounting surface, supporting the at least one item, and providing a general structural integrity to the system.

[0043] In some embodiments, the frame portion may include a mounting end disposed to join with the mounting surface, such as a vertical wall. The mounting end may include a grip portion for gripping to the mounting surface. The grip portion may include a plurality of nodules configured to create a small vacuum and friction forces with the mounting surface. In this manner, the grip may be enhanced. The grip portion may overlay the entire mount end for increasing the grip to the mounting surface. In some embodiments, the frame portion may include a front end that faces outwardly from the mounting surface. In some embodiments, the frame portion may include a plurality of mounting apertures configured enable a plurality of fasteners to at least partially pass through for helping to fasten the frame portion to the mounting surface. The plurality of fasteners may include, without limitation, bolts, screws, magnets, and wires.

[0044] The frame portion may further include at least one swing reception aperture for receiving the at least one support portion and thereby, enabling the support portion to swing in relation to the mounting surface. In one embodiment, the frame portion may include an H-shaped frame having four swing reception apertures. The swing reception apertures that are not utilized for receiving the support portion may be covered with at least one cap 106. The cap may include a ridge for restricting movement of the items and also providing a curved surface over a possibly sharp swing reception aperture. The cap may also form a barrier between the frame portion and a ground surface. Suitable materials for the at least one cap may include, without limitation, polyvinyl chloride, rigid polymers, rubber, metal, and wood. In some embodiments, at least one connector 108 may help join different components of the frame portion and the support portion together. The connector may also enable additional rotation of components relative to each other. In one embodiment, at least one connector may include a smooth, rounded base for enabling the swing arms to easily and smoothly rotate upon the frame end and the item end even if the support portion is weighted down.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary support system carrying at least one item and swinging flush with a mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the frame portion may provide support for two swinging support portions configured to swing between a flush disposition and a fully extended 90° position in relation to the mounting surface. The two support portions may be operable to perform this motion while carrying at least one item, whereby the items may be positioned in various locations in relation to a mounting surface. In this manner, the system may include a frame portion that forms a structural framework for mounting the system to a mounting surface, supporting the at least one item, and providing a general structural integrity to the system. In some embodiments, the frame portion may be configured to space the two support portion about 20" apart. Those skilled in the art will recognize that 20" is sufficient to prevent items from each support portion from contacting each other.

[0046] FIGs. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary frame portion, where FIG. 3A illustrates a top angle view of an exemplary frame portion, FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary mounting end, and FIG. 3C illustrates a close up view of an exemplary grip portion having a plurality of rubber nodules, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the frame portion may include a mounting end 308 disposed to join with the mounting surface. The mounting end may include a grip portion 310 for gripping to the mounting surface. The grip portion may include a plurality of rubber nodules 312 configured to create a small vacuum and friction forces with the mounting surface. In this manner, the grip between the frame portion and the mounting surface may be enhanced. The grip portion may overlay the entire mount end for increasing the grip to the mounting surface. In some embodiments, the grip portion may include a cross hatch design. This design may enable a fat section of the nodules to engage in a gripping contact with the mounting surface. Those skilled in the art will recognize that as greater weight is added to the frame portion, the fattest part of the nodules flatten along the mounting surface to enhance the gripping capacity. Further, the texture of the grip portion may help prevent unnecessary scraping and damage to a hosting surface. In some embodiments, magnets may be used to aid in the gripping contact with the mounting surface such that the magnets are strong enough to support the weight of the clothes.

[0047] As additional fastening capacity, a plurality of fasteners may at least partially pass through a plurality of mounting apertures 306 in the frame portion. In one embodiment, the plurality of fasteners may threadably pass through the mounting surface. In one embodiment, the plurality of mounting apertures may include screw insertion at length-points of approximately 1" from the endpoints of the horizontal bars in the frame portion.

[0048] In some embodiments, the frame portion may include a front end 302 that faces outwardly from the mounting surface. The frame portion may further include at least one swing reception aperture 304 for receiving the at least one support portion and thereby, enabling the support portion to swing in relation to the mounting surface. In one embodiment, the frame portion may include an H-shaped frame having four swing reception apertures. The H-shaped frame may include two vertical bars of 10" length, and two horizontal bars spaced about 20" apart. The swing reception apertures that are not utilized for receiving the support portion may be covered with a cap. The cap may include a ridge for restricting movement of the items and also providing a curved surface over a possibly sharp swing reception aperture.

[0049] FIGs. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary support portion, where FIG. 4A illustrates a top angle view of an exemplary support portion, FIG. 4B illustrates a close up view of an exemplary connector joining an exemplary frame end with an exemplary item end, and FIG. 4C illustrates a close up view of exemplary fasteners positioned for fastening an exemplary frame portion to an exemplary support portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the system may include at least one support portion. The support portion may include a generally L-shaped rod. A frame end 402 of the support portion may at least partially pass through the at least one swing reception aperture. The frame end comprises a diameter equal or less than the swing reception aperture for enabling a swinging motion. In one embodiment, the frame end may include a 36" rod.

[0050] The at least one support portion may further include an item end 404 that extends from the frame end at a generally 90° angle. However in other embodiments, the angle between the frame end and the item end may vary. The item end may include a linear rod configured to at least partially receive the at least one item. For example, the rod receives a hanger supporting a garment. In some embodiments, the frame end and the item end are separate components joined at the at least one connector. The connector may include, without limitation, an elbow joint, a 45° joint, a 60° joint, and a shaft. The connector may enable the frame end and the item end to rotate in relation to each other. In some embodiments, a plurality of fasteners 406 may at least partially fasten the frame end to the item end. In some embodiments, the system may utilize one, two, three, four, or more support portion. In any case, the support portions swing in relation to the mounting surface, and support the items.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support system, where an exemplary frame portion joins with an exemplary mounting member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the frame portion may include a mounting member 500 comprising at least one hook configured to mount said frame portion to a door. The mounting member may be configured to hook around a top edge of a door or any linear surface by which the hook can mount. In some embodiments, the mounting member may be adjustable to mount variously sized doors and linear surfaces.

[0052] In one alternative embodiment, the item end of the at least one support portion extends telescopically from the support portion. In another alternative embodiment, the item end of the support portion includes multiple joints and connectors to provide rotating functionality along the longitudinal axis of the item end. In yet another alternative embodiment, the system may be arranged to support meat in a meat cooler. In yet another alternative embodiment, frame portion may include a plurality of vertical bars for supporting ten or more support members, such as in a clothing store. [0053] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0054] It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC § 112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC § 112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a "mean for" claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of "mean for" claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC § 112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3 ^rd parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

[0055] Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC § 112 (6).

Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC § 112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

[0056] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a storage device that mounts to a surface and stores items from multiple positions according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the storage device that mounts to a surface and stores items from multiple positions may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the storage device that mounts to a surface and stores items from multiple positions described in the foregoing were principally directed to a frame that supports hanging garments on a pair of swiveling arms implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to hanging carcasses of cows and sheep in a meat cooler, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

[0057] Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims. [0058] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

[0059] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.