HAIR EXTENSION PACKAGING APPARATUS

Abstract

A hair extension packaging apparatus is disclosed and configured for supporting a plurality of hair extensions thereon. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides a substantially planar upper portion, a substantially planar lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion, and a transition portion interconnecting the upper and lower portions such that the upper and lower portions are linearly offset from one another. A front surface of the upper portion provides a plurality of mounting mechanisms positioned and configured for removably securing the hair extensions thereto. The transition portion provides at least one substantially planar aperture surface on which there is positioned at least one extension aperture configured for allowing a free length of at least one of the hair extensions to extend therethrough, such that the free length of said at least one hair extension is positioned substantially adjacent to a rear surface of the lower portion.

Claims

1. A hair extension packaging apparatus for supporting a plurality of hair extensions thereon, the apparatus comprising: a substantially planar upper portion, a front surface of the upper portion providing a plurality of mounting mechanisms positioned and configured for removably securing the hair extensions thereto; a substantially planar lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion; and a transition portion interconnecting the upper and lower portions such that the upper and lower portions are linearly offset from one another, the transition portion providing an at least one substantially planar aperture surface on which there is positioned an at least one extension aperture configured for allowing a free length of at least one of the hair extensions to extend therethrough when said at least one of the hair extensions is removably secured to the front surface of the upper portion, such that the free length of said at least one of the hair extensions is positioned substantially adjacent to a rear surface of the lower portion.

2. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the upper portion lies in a plane that is substantially parallel with, and offset from, a plane in which the lower portion lies; and the transition portion lies substantially in a plane that intersects the planes in which the upper and lower portions lie.

3. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a height that is less than a length of the hair extensions.

4. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a width sufficient for supporting two or more hair extensions in a substantially side-by-side arrangement thereon.

5. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the mounting mechanisms is an at least one mounting aperture sized and configured for receiving a tie wrap therethrough.

6. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the extension apertures is substantially linearly aligned with a corresponding one of the mounting mechanisms.

7. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper portion is connected to the transition portion along a perforated upper seam, the upper seam positioned so as to be at least partially coterminous with the extension apertures, thereby allowing the upper portion to be selectively separated from the transition portion which, in turn, allows the hair extensions to be more easily removed from the corresponding extension apertures.

8. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower portion is connected to the transition portion along a perforated lower seam, the lower seam positioned so as to be at least partially coterminous with the extension apertures, thereby allowing the lower portion to be selectively separated from the transition portion which, in turn, allows the hair extensions to be more easily removed from the corresponding extension apertures.

9. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an enclosure portion sized and configured for removably receiving each of the upper portion, lower portion, transition portion and hair extensions therewithin.

10. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 9, wherein the enclosure portion is constructed out of a transparent or semi-transparent material.

11. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an at least one fastener positioned and configured for temporarily retaining each of the upper portion, lower portion, transition portion and hair extensions in a desired position within the enclosure portion.

12. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transition portion provides a plurality of substantially planar aperture surfaces, with each aperture surface providing at least one extension aperture thereon.

13. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 12, wherein immediately adjacent ones of the aperture surfaces are spaced apart from one another and interconnected by an at least one substantially planar connection surface.

14. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the upper portion lies in a plane that is substantially parallel with, and offset from, a plane in which the lower portion lies; the at least one connection surface lies in a plane that is substantially parallel with the planes in which the upper and lower portions lie; and each of the aperture surfaces lies in a plane that intersects the planes in which the upper and lower portions lie.

15. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one connection surface is connected to each of the corresponding aperture surfaces along a perforated connection seam, each connection seam positioned so as to be at least partially coterminous with the at least one extension aperture positioned on each of the corresponding aperture surfaces, thereby allowing said connection surface to be selectively separated from each of the corresponding aperture surfaces which, in turn, allows the hair extensions to be more easily removed from the corresponding extension apertures.

16. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 12, wherein the extension apertures on each aperture surface are positioned and arranged so as to be laterally offset relative to the extension apertures on each of the at least one immediately adjacent aperture surface.

17. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the aperture surfaces provides an equal quantity of extension apertures.

18. The hair extension packaging apparatus of claim 12, wherein at least one of the aperture surfaces provides a differing quantity of extension apertures.

19. A hair extension packaging apparatus for supporting a plurality of hair extensions thereon, the apparatus comprising: a substantially planar upper portion, a front surface of the upper portion providing a plurality of mounting mechanisms positioned and configured for removably securing the hair extensions thereto; a substantially planar lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion, the lower portion lying in a plane that is substantially parallel with, and offset from, a plane in which the upper portion lies; and a transition portion interconnecting the upper and lower portions such that the upper and lower portions are linearly offset from one another, the transition portion providing: a plurality of spaced apart, substantially planar aperture surfaces each lying in a plane that intersects the planes in which the upper and lower portions lie, and providing an at least one extension aperture positioned and configured for allowing a free length of at least one of the hair extensions to extend therethrough when said at least one of the hair extensions is removably secured to the front surface of the upper portion, such that the free length of said at least one of the hair extensions is positioned substantially adjacent to a rear surface of the lower portion; and an at least one substantially planar connection surface extending between and interconnecting immediately adjacent ones of the aperture surfaces, the at least one connection surface lying in a plane that is substantially parallel with the planes in which the upper and lower portions lie.

20. A hair extension packaging apparatus for supporting a plurality of hair extensions thereon, the apparatus comprising: a substantially planar upper portion, a front surface of the upper portion providing a plurality of mounting mechanisms positioned and configured for removably securing the hair extensions thereto; a substantially planar lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion; and a transition portion interconnecting the upper and lower portions such that the upper and lower portions are linearly offset from one another, the transition portion providing a plurality of spaced apart, substantially planar aperture surfaces each providing an at least one extension aperture positioned and configured for allowing a free length of at least one of the hair extensions to extend therethrough when said at least one of the hair extensions is removably secured to the front surface of the upper portion, such that the free length of said at least one of the hair extensions is positioned substantially adjacent to a rear surface of the lower portion; wherein the at least one extension aperture on each aperture surface is positioned and arranged so as to be laterally offset relative to the at least one extension aperture on immediately adjacent ones of the aperture surfaces; and wherein each of the extension apertures is substantially linearly aligned with a corresponding one of the mounting mechanisms.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention. In such drawings:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a front view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a bottom view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 8 is a front view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 9 is a rear view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 10 is a side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 11 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 12 is a bottom view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 13 is a front view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 14 is a front view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 16 is a front view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 17 is a rear view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 18 is a side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 19 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 20 is a bottom view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, incorporating an exemplary enclosure portion, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 23 is a front view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 24 is a rear view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0054] FIG. 25 is a side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 26 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0056] FIG. 27 is a bottom view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 29 is a front view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0059] FIG. 30 is a rear view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 31 is a side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0061] FIG. 32 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0062] FIG. 33 is a bottom view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0063] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0064] FIG. 35 is a front view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0065] FIG. 36 is a rear view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0066] FIG. 37 is a side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0067] FIG. 38 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

[0068] FIG. 39 is a bottom view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0069] The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus 20 configured for supporting an at least one hair extension 22 thereon. At the outset, it should be noted that the exemplary at least one hair extension 22 is shown in the drawings for illustrative purposes only. In further embodiments, the at least one hair extension 22 may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions or quantities now known or later developed, and the apparatus 20 may likewise be configured for supporting said at least one hair extension 22 thereon. Thus, the apparatus 20 should not be read as being limited to only the embodiments depicted in the drawings.

[0071] With continued referenced to FIG. 1, and as further illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides a substantially planar upper portion 24, a substantially planar lower portion 26 spaced apart from the upper portion 24, and a transition portion 28 interconnecting the upper and lower portions 24 and 26 such that the upper and lower portions 24 and 26 are linearly offset from one another. In at least one embodiment, as illustrated best in FIGS. 1 and 7, the upper portion 24 is connected to the transition portion 28 along an upper seam 54, while the lower portion 26 is connected to the transition portion 28 along a lower seam 56. In at least one embodiment, as best illustrated in FIG. 4, the upper portion 24 lies in a plane that is substantially parallel with, and offset from, a plane in which the lower portion 26 lies, and the transition portion 28 lies substantially in a plane that intersects the planes in which the upper and lower portions 24 and 26 lie. In at least one embodiment, each of the upper portion 24, lower portion 26 and transition portion 28 may be constructed out of paper, cardboard, card stock, plastic, wood, metal, rubber or any other material (or combinations of materials) now known or later developed, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0072] In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 has a height H that is less than a length L of the at least one hair extension 22, such that when the at least one hair extension 22 is engaged with the apparatus 20, the at least one hair extension 22 extends a distance beyond a free end 30 of the lower portion 26. In at least one further embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-12, the apparatus 20 has a width W sufficient for supporting two or more hair extensions 22 in a substantially side-by-side arrangement thereon. At least one such further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 13, while another such further embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 15-20, where the apparatus 20 is sized and configured for supporting three hair extensions 22 in a substantially side-by-side arrangement thereon; and another such further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14, where the apparatus 20 is sized and configured for supporting four hair extensions 22 in a substantially side-by-side arrangement thereon. In that regard, it should be noted that the specific sizes, shapes, dimensions and relative positions of each of the upper portion 24, lower portion 26 and transition portion 28 depicted in the drawings are merely illustrative, such that in further embodiments, each of the upper portion 24, lower portion 26 and transition portion 28 may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions and/or relative positions now known or later developeddependent at least in part on the size, shape, dimensions and/or quantity of the at least one hair extension 22 to be supported by the apparatus 20so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0073] In at least one embodiment, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, a front surface 32 of the upper portion 24 provides an at least one mounting mechanism 34 positioned and configured for removably securing the at least one hair extension 22 thereto. In at least one such embodiment, the at least one mounting mechanism 34 is an at least one mounting aperture 36 sized and configured for receiving a tie wrap 38 (such as a twist tie, cable tie, hook-and-loop strap, etc.) therethrough. In further embodiments, the at least one mounting mechanism 34 may be any other type of mechanism, now known or later developed, capable of removably securing the at least one hair extension 22 to the front surface 32 of the upper portion 24, such as staples, adhesive, hook-and-loop material, etc. Thus, the specific sizes, shapes, dimensions, types, quantities and relative positions of the at least one mounting mechanism 34 depicted in the drawings are merely illustrative, such that in further embodiments, the at least one mounting mechanism 34 may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions, types, quantities and/or relative positions now known or later developeddependent at least in part on the size, shape, dimensions and/or quantity of the at least one hair extension 22 to be supported by the apparatus 20so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0074] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, in at least one embodiment, the transition portion 28 provides an at least one extension aperture 40 positioned and configured for allowing a free length 42 of the at least one hair extension 22 to extend therethrough when the at least one hair extension 22 is removably secured to the front surface 32 of the upper portion 24, such that the free length 42 of the at least one hair extension 22 is positioned substantially adjacent to a rear surface 44 of the lower portion 26. In at least one such embodiment, each of the at least one extension aperture 40 is sized and configured for allowing the free length 42 of a single hair extension 22 to extend therethrough. However, in at least one alternate embodiment, each of the at least one extension aperture 40 is sized and configured for allowing the free length 42 of two or more hair extensions 22 to extend therethrough. In at least one embodiment, the upper seam 54 is positioned so as to be at least partially coterminous with the at least one extension aperture 40. In at least one such embodiment, the upper seam 54 is perforated, thereby allowing the upper portion 24 to be selectively separated from the transition portion 28 which, in turn, allows the at least one hair extension 22 to be more easily removed from the corresponding at least one extension aperture 40. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, the lower seam 56 is positioned so as to be at least partially coterminous with the at least one extension aperture 40. In at least one such embodiment, the lower seam 56 is perforated, thereby allowing the lower portion 26 to be selectively separated from the transition portion 28 which, in turn, allows the at least one hair extension 22 to be more easily removed from the corresponding at least one extension aperture 40. In at least one further embodiment, each of the upper and lower seams 54 and 56 are positioned so as to be at least partially coterminous with the at least one extension aperture 40, with each of the upper and lower seams 54 and 56 also being perforated.

[0075] In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-21, the transition portion 28 provides a single, substantially planar aperture surface 62 on which each of the extension apertures 40 is positioned. In at least one alternate embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 22-39, the transition portion 28 provides a plurality of substantially planar aperture surfaces 62 on which one or more of the extension apertures 40 is positioned. In at least one such embodiment, the aperture surfaces 62 are spaced apart from one another and interconnected by a substantially planar connection surface 64. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the at least one connection surface 64 is oriented so as to be substantially parallel with the upper and lower portions 24 and 26. It should be noted that while the transition portion 28 is depicted in the drawings as only providing one or two aperture surfaces 62, in further embodiments, the transition portion 28 may provide any number of aperture surfaces 62dependent at least in part on the size, shape, dimensions and/or quantity of the at least one hair extension 22 to be supported by the apparatus 20.

[0076] In at least one embodiment, the aperture surfaces 62 are connected to each of the corresponding connection surfaces 64 along a connection seam 66. In at least one embodiment, each connection seam 66 is positioned so as to be at least partially coterminous with the at least one extension aperture 40 positioned on the corresponding aperture surface 62. In at least one such embodiment, each connection seam 66 is perforated, thereby allowing the connection surface 64 to be selectively separated from the corresponding aperture surface 62 which, in turn, allows the at least one hair extension 22 to be more easily removed from the corresponding at least one extension aperture 40. In at least one alternate embodiment, one or more of the at least one connection surface 64 may be omitted, such that two or more of the aperture surfaces 62 are directly connected to one another. In such alternate embodiments, the connection seam 66 is positioned between the immediately adjacent aperture surfaces 62.

[0077] In at least one embodiment, where the transition portion 28 provides a plurality of aperture surfaces 62, the extension apertures 40 on each aperture surface 62 are positioned and arranged so as to be staggered or laterally offset relative to the extension apertures 40 on each of the at least one immediately adjacent aperture surface 62. In this way, the corresponding hair extensions 22 are able to extend through the respective extension apertures 40 without obstructing one another. Additionally, the staggered arrangement of extension apertures 40 across multiple aperture surfaces 62 allows the apparatus 20 to support a relatively larger quantity of hair extensions 22 thereon without needing to proportionally increase the width W thereof. In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 34-39, each of the aperture surfaces 62 provides an equal quantity of extension apertures 40. However, in at least one alternate embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 22-33, the aperture surfaces 62 provide differing quantities of extension apertures 40.

[0078] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, each of the at least one extension aperture is substantially linearly aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one mounting mechanism 34. In that regard, the specific sizes, shapes, dimensions, quantities and relative positions of the at least one extension aperture 40 depicted in the drawings are merely illustrative, such that in further embodiments, the at least one extension aperture 40 may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions, types, quantities and/or relative positions now known or later developeddependent at least in part on the size, shape, dimensions and/or quantity of the at least one hair extension 22 to be supported by the apparatus 20so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0079] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, in at least one embodiment, with the free length 42 of the at least one hair extension 22 positioned substantially adjacent to a rear surface 44 of the lower portion 26, the opposing front surface 46 of the lower portion 26 is left unobstructed. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, product information related to the at least one hair extension 22 may be printed or otherwise displayed on the front surface 46 of the lower portion 26. In at least one further embodiment, product information related to the at least one hair extension 22 may also be printed or otherwise displayed on the front surface 32 of the upper portion 24 and/or an opposing rear surface 48 of the upper portion 24. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the structure and configuration of the apparatus 20, as described in detail above, allows for visual and tactile access to the at least one hair extension 22. In at least one embodiment, the upper portion 24 further provides an at least one hanger aperture (not shown) positioned and configured for allowing the apparatus 20 to be hung from a display hook or similar structure.

[0080] In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 20 provides an at least one extension band 50 configured for wrapping around the at least one hair extension 22 so as to assist in preventing the individual hairs of the at least one hair extension 22 from becoming tangled when the at least one hair extension 22 is removably secured to the front surface 32 of the upper portion 24. In at least one embodiment, the at least one extension band 50 may be constructed out of paper, cardboard, card stock, plastic, wood, metal, rubber or any other material (or combinations of materials) now known or later developed, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0081] In at least one such embodiment, the at least one extension band 50 is engaged with the at least one hair extension 22 in a position substantially adjacent to the front surface 32 of the upper portion 24. In at least one alternate embodiment, the at least one extension band 50 may be engaged with the at least one hair extension 22 in a position substantially adjacent to the rear surface 44 of the lower portion 26. In at least one further alternate embodiment, the at least one extension band 50 may be engaged with the at least one hair extension 22 in a position that is a distance beyond the free end 30 of the lower portion 26. In at least one embodiment, each of the at least one hair extension 22 may provide a plurality of extension bands 50 positioned along the length L of the hair extension 22. Thus, the specific sizes, shapes, dimensions, quantities and relative positions of the at least one extension band 50 depicted in the drawings are merely illustrative, such that in further embodiments, the at least one extension band 50 may take on any other sizes, shapes, dimensions, types, quantities and/or relative positions now known or later developeddependent at least in part on the size, shape, dimensions and/or quantity of the at least one hair extension 22 to be supported by the apparatus 20so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, product information related to the at least one hair extension 22 may also be printed or otherwise displayed on an outer surface 52 of the at least one extension band 50.

[0082] In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the apparatus 20 further provides an enclosure portion 58 sized and configured for removably receiving each of the upper portion 24, lower portion 26, transition portion 28 and at least one hair extension 22 therewithin, so as to protect the at least one hair extension 22 prior to use. In at least one embodiment, the enclosure portion 58 is constructed out of a transparent or semi-transparent plastic; however, in further embodiment, the enclosure portion 58 may be constructed out of any other material (or combinations of materials) now known or later developed, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein. Additionally, it should be noted that the specific size, shape and dimensions of the enclosure portion 58 depicted in the drawings are merely illustrative, such that in further embodiments, the enclosure portion 58 may take on any other sizes, shapes and/or dimensions now known or later developeddependent at least in part on the size, shape, dimensions and/or quantity of the at least one hair extension 22 to be supported by the apparatus 20so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides an at least one fastener 60 positioned and configured for temporarily retaining each of the upper portion 24, lower portion 26, transition portion 28 and at least one hair extension 22 in a desired position within the enclosure portion 58. In at least one such embodiment, the at least one fastener 60 is a staple extending through each of the enclosure portion 58 and at least one of the upper portion 24, lower portion 26 and transition portion 28. In further embodiments, any other type of fastener, now known or later developed, capable of temporarily retaining each of the upper portion 24, lower portion 26, transition portion 28 and at least one hair extension 22 in a desired position within the enclosure portion 58, may be substitutedfor example, pins, snaps, buttons, magnets, hook-and-loop material, adhesives, etc.

[0083] In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that a hair extension packaging apparatus is disclosed and configured for supporting an at least one hair extension. Because the principles of the invention may be practiced in a number of configurations beyond those shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not in any way limited by the exemplary embodiments, but is generally directed to a hair extension packaging apparatus and is able to take numerous forms to do so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the particular geometries and materials of construction disclosed, but may instead entail other functionally comparable structures or materials, now known or later developed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0084] Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for the present invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0085] Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0086] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the terms about and approximately. As used herein, the terms about and approximately mean that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein. Similarly, as used herein, unless indicated to the contrary, the term substantially is a term of degree intended to indicate an approximation of the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified, encompassing a range that can be understood and construed by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0087] Use of the terms may or can in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment also carries with it the alternative meaning of may not or cannot. As such, if the present specification discloses that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may be or can be included as part of the inventive subject matter, then the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is also explicitly meant, meaning that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may not be or cannot be included as part of the inventive subject matter. In a similar manner, use of the term optionally in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment means that such embodiment or aspect of the embodiment may be included as part of the inventive subject matter or may not be included as part of the inventive subject matter. Whether such a negative limitation or exclusionary proviso applies will be based on whether the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is recited in the claimed subject matter.

[0088] The terms a, an, the and similar references used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, ordinal indicatorssuch as first, second, third, etc.for identified elements are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically stated. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0089] When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the open-ended transitional term comprising (along with equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof such as including, containing and having) encompasses all the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features alone or in combination with un-recited subject matter; the named elements, limitations and/or features are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations and/or features may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim. Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using the closed-ended transitional phrases consisting of or consisting essentially of in lieu of or as an amendment for comprising. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the closed-ended transitional phrase consisting of excludes any element, limitation, step, or feature not expressly recited in the claims. The closed-ended transitional phrase consisting essentially of limits the scope of a claim to the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features and any other elements, limitations, steps and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning of the open-ended transitional phrase comprising is being defined as encompassing all the specifically recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features as well as any optional, additional unspecified ones. The meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase consisting of is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and/or features specifically recited in the claim, whereas the meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase consisting essentially of is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements, limitations, steps and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, the open-ended transitional phrase comprising (along with equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within its meaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by the closed-ended transitional phrases consisting of or consisting essentially of. As such, embodiments described herein or so claimed with the phrase comprising are expressly or inherently unambiguously described, enabled and supported herein for the phrases consisting essentially of and consisting of.

[0090] Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) will begin with the words means for, but use of the term for in any other context is not intended to invoke treatment under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing this application, in either this application or in a continuing application.

[0091] All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

[0092] While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s) believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.