Multi-Component Eyelash Case

Abstract

The present specification discloses a multi-component eyelash case for the safe keeping and storage of false eyelashes and/or eyelash extensions. The disclosed eyelash case includes a sleeve with a drawer compartment, a drawer having eyelash mounts therein and a biasing mechanism whereby the mechanism provides biasing of the drawer into the drawer compartment when elements of the biasing mechanism are brought to within a biasing proximity of each other, thus securing the drawer and preventing its unintended opening.

Claims

1. An eyelash case, comprising: a sleeve defining a drawer compartment, the sleeve comprising a first open end and a second closed end, the first open end and the second closed end opposing and spaced apart from one another, a sleeve top wall and a sleeve bottom wall, the sleeve top wall and the sleeve bottom wall opposed and spaced apart from one another, and a first sleeve side wall and a second sleeve side wall, the first sleeve side wall and the second sleeve side wall opposed and spaced apart from one another and substantially perpendicular to the first open and second closed ends, the first open end, the second closed end, the sleeve top wall, the sleeve bottom wall and the sleeve side wall bounding the drawer compartment; a drawer defining an internal drawer space, the drawer comprising a first drawer end and a second drawer end, the first drawer end and the second drawer end opposed and spaced apart from each other, a first drawer side and a second drawer side, the first and second drawer sides opposed and spaced apart from each other and substantially perpendicular to the first and second drawer ends, and a drawer bottom, the first and second drawer ends, the first and second drawer sides and the drawer bottom bounding the internal drawer space, wherein the drawer is sized to fit into the drawer compartment; an insert comprising at least one eyelash mount, the insert sized to fit into the internal drawer space; and a magnetic biasing mechanism comprising a sleeve biasing element and a drawer biasing element, the drawer biasing element being in substantial alignment with the sleeve biasing element in a manner that biases the drawer into the drawer compartment when the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element are brought into proximity of each other to cause a closed and secured state.

2. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element or the drawer biasing element comprises a magnet.

3. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element each comprise a magnet.

4. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element comprises a magnet and the drawer biasing element is not a magnet but includes a ferromagnetic material that renders attraction of the drawer biasing element to the sleeve biasing element when brought into a proximity of each other.

5. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the drawer biasing element comprises a magnet and the sleeve biasing element includes a ferromagnetic material that renders attraction of the sleeve biasing element to the drawer biasing element when brought into a proximity of each other.

6. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element is located at the second closed end of the sleeve and positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

7. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the drawer biasing element is located at the second drawer end of the drawer and positioned in a manner that brings the drawer biasing element into proximity with the sleeve biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

8. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element is located at the second closed end of the sleeve and the drawer biasing element is located at the second drawer end of the drawer, the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element being positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

9. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element is located at the bottom wall of the sleeve and positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

10. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the drawer biasing element is located at the drawer bottom of the drawer and positioned in a manner that brings the drawer biasing element into proximity with the sleeve biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

11. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element is located at the bottom wall of the sleeve and the drawer biasing element is located at the drawer bottom of the drawer, the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element being positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

12. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element is located at the first sleeve side wall of the sleeve and positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

13. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the drawer biasing element is located at the first drawer side of the drawer and positioned in a manner that brings the drawer biasing element into proximity with the sleeve biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

14. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element is located at the first sleeve side wall of the sleeve and the drawer biasing element is located at the first drawer side of the drawer, the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element being positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

15. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element is located at the second sleeve side wall of the sleeve and positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

16. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the drawer biasing element is located at the second drawer side of the drawer and positioned in a manner that brings the drawer biasing element into proximity with the sleeve biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

17. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve biasing element is provided at the second sleeve side wall of the sleeve and the drawer biasing element is provided at the second drawer side of the drawer, the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element being positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state.

18. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic biasing mechanism comprising a plurality of sleeve biasing elements and a plurality of drawer biasing elements.

19. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the at least one eyelash mount comprises at least two eyelash mounts, at least four eyelash mounts, at least six eyelash mounts, at least eight eyelash mounts, at least ten eyelash mounts, or at least twelve eyelash mounts.

20. The eyelash case according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sleeve biasing elements and drawer biasing elements comprise (i) a first sleeve biasing element provided at the second closed end of the sleeve and a first drawer biasing element provided at the second drawer end of the drawer, the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element being positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state, (ii) a second sleeve biasing element provided at the bottom wall of the sleeve and a second drawer biasing element provided at the drawer bottom of the drawer, the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element being positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state, (iii) a third sleeve biasing element provided at the first sleeve side wall of the sleeve and a third drawer biasing element is provided at the first drawer side of the drawer, the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element being positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state, (iv) a fourth sleeve biasing element provided at the second sleeve side wall of the sleeve and a fourth drawer biasing element provided at the second drawer side of the drawer, the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element being positioned in a manner that brings the sleeve biasing element into proximity with the drawer biasing element upon sliding of the drawer into the drawer compartment to bias the drawer into the drawer compartment to cause a closed and secured state, or any combination of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the disclosed subject matter in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the disclosure are referenced by numerals with like numerals in different drawings representing the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles herein described and provided by exemplary embodiments of the invention. In such drawings:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of an eyelash case;

[0024] FIG. 2 is an end view of an embodiment of an eyelash case;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of an eyelash case showing false eyelashes displayed therein;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an eyelash case shown in an open position;

[0027] FIG. 5 an exploded view of an embodiment of a drawer having an exemplary insert and eyelash mounts;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a drawer of an eyelash case;

[0029] FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an eyelash case, taken along line 7 of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a top plan cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an eyelash case showing an exemplary drawer and sleeve in a non-closed position, illustrating a biasing force provided by one example of a biasing mechanism according to the present disclosure, its elements being brought into proximity of one another; and

[0031] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of an eyelash case illustrating the principals of the instant disclosure, shown in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Without wishing to be limited to any theory, the instant disclosure provides an eyelash case for storing false eyelashes and/or eyelash extensions. The eyelash case provided in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure provides way for these delicate beauty products to be safely and securely stored and accessed, as detailed below.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an eyelash case 1, shown in a perspective view. The eyelash case 1 includes various portions/elements, including opposing and spaced apart ends and sides of eyelash case 1, as detailed below. In particular embodiments, at least one of the first and second ends of eyelash case 1 is an open end through which a drawer passes and enters a drawer compartment, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a front-end plan view of eyelash case 1, having a sleeve top wall 3 and a sleeve bottom wall 7, as well as a first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5, the sleeve side walls being opposed and spaced apart from one another. The sleeve top wall 3 and sleeve bottom wall 7 are substantially parallel to each other. Likewise, first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 are also substantially parallel to one another. In this particular embodiment, sleeve top wall 3 is provided having sides that depend from sleeve top wall 3 and are juxtaposed and parallel to first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5, as indicated by sides 4 in FIGS. 1-2. Sleeve top wall 3 is affixed to first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 using sides 4 of sleeve top wall 3. Additionally shown in FIGS. 1-2 is grasping element 23.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of an exemplary eyelash case provided in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Sleeve top wall 3 is depicted in this embodiment as being transparent or translucent so to thereby allow a user to view the false eyelashes or eyelash extensions stored therein, although in other embodiments sleeve top wall 3 is opaque so to thereby prevent or obstruct a user from viewing the false eyelashes or eyelash extensions stored therein. Sleeve top wall 3 can be clear plastic or glass or any other such transparent or translucent material that would provide a view of the interior of eyeglass case 1. In particular examples and as depicted in FIGS. 1-2, sleeve top wall 3 is provided having a thickness that is thinner than first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 or sleeve bottom wall 7. It is also noted that in particular embodiments, sides 4 are provided having approximately the same thickness as sleeve top wall 3 and similarly have a thickness that is less than the thickness of first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 or sleeve bottom wall 7. Furthermore and in one embodiment, sleeve top wall 3 and/or sides 4 are less rigid than first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 or sleeve bottom wall 7, thus providing some deformability to an open end of eyelash case 1 through which a drawer passes to enter a sleeve as discussed in further detail below.

[0036] As best seen in FIGS. 4 & 9, eyelash case 1 has two main components, a sleeve 200 and a drawer 300, and is shown in an open position with drawer 300 pulled completely out of drawer compartment 2 of sleeve 200. Drawer 300 fits and slides into drawer compartment 2. As depicted in FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, sleeve 200 of eyelash case 1 includes a sleeve top wall 3 (here rendered as transparent) and a sleeve bottom wall 7 opposed and spaced apart from one another, a first open end 8 and a second closed end 10 opposed and spaced apart from each other as well as first sleeve side wall 5 and second sleeve side wall 9 opposed and spaced apart from each other and substantially perpendicular to the first open end 8 and second closed end 10. In combination, sleeve top wall 3, sleeve bottom wall 7, first open end 8, second closed end 10, first sleeve side wall 5 and second sleeve side wall 9 bound and define a drawer compartment. In some embodiments, sleeve top wall 3 includes depending side 4 juxtaposed to sleeve side wall 5 and sleeve side wall 9. In this configuration, depending sides 4 are secured to sleeve side wall 5 and sleeve side wall 9, utilizing an adhesive, for example.

[0037] As depicted in FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, drawer 300 of eyelash case 1 includes first drawer end 21 and second drawer end 24 opposed and spaced apart from each other as well as first drawer side 26 and second drawer side 22 opposed and spaced apart from each other and substantially perpendicular to the first drawer end 21 and second drawer end 24, as well as a drawer bottom 28 (shown in exploded FIG. 5). In combination, first drawer end 21, second drawer end 24 first drawer side 26, second drawer side 22 and drawer bottom 28 bound and define an internal drawer space. In addition, drawer 300 is shown having a plateau portion 29 and at least one eyelash mount 27 within drawer 300.

[0038] FIGS. 1, 3 & 8 show that eyeglass case 1 has a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism provides a biasing force 30 in order to bias the eyelash case, more particularly, biasing drawer 300 into sleeve 200, in a closed and secured state. Biasing mechanism includes a sleeve biasing element 6 and a drawer biasing element 25 (shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 1-9). The sleeve biasing element 6 is provided at sleeve and the drawer biasing element 25 is provided at the drawer. The location sleeve biasing element 6 relative to drawer biasing element 25 is a location which ensures that upon insertion of drawer 300 into sleeve 200, sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 are brought into substantial alignment and proximity to each other that a biasing force 30 is created biasing drawer 300 into sleeve 200 to a closed state and thus secure drawer 300 within the drawer compartment 2 of eyelash case 1. In some embodiments, sleeve biasing element 6 is located more interiorly within eyelash case 1 relative to drawer biasing element 25 when in a closed and secured state. In some embodiments, sleeve biasing element 6 is equally aligned within eyelash case 1 relative to drawer biasing element 25 when in a closed and secured state.

[0039] In some embodiment, biasing force 30 is a magnetic biasing mechanism that utilizes magnetism or magnetic force to bias drawer 300 and into sleeve compartment 2 of sleeve 200. In some embodiments, either one or both of sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 are magnets. In some embodiments, sleeve biasing element 6 is a magnet and drawer biasing element 25 is composed of a material attracted to a magnet, such as a ferromagnetic material. In some embodiments, sleeve biasing element 6 is composed of a material attracted to a magnet, such as a ferromagnetic material and drawer biasing element 25 is a magnet. Non-limiting examples of a ferromagnetic material include iron, nickel, cobalt, gadolinium, neodymium and samarium and metal alloys made from these materials. In some embodiments, sleeve biasing element 6 is a magnet and drawer biasing element 25 is a magnet. If both sleeve biasing element 6 relative to drawer biasing element 25 are magnets, then these elements are obviously provided having their respective magnetic poles aligned such that they attract and not repel one another (obviously the two magnets are attracted by their opposite poles and are so accordingly configured in the eyelash case of the instant disclosure).

[0040] Biasing elements can be provided at one or more locations of eyelash case 1. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 3 & 4, the biasing elements are shown at one end of eyelash case 1, with sleeve biasing element 6 located at back closed end 10 and drawer biasing element 25 located at second drawer end 24. However, sleeve biasing element 6 can be provided as located to any surface of sleeve 200, as long as drawer biasing element 25 is suitably provided at a location of drawer 300 such that both elements are substantially aligned with each other upon sliding of drawer 300 into sleeve 200 to thus bias the drawer 300 into sleeve 300 in accordance with the present teachings of the disclosure. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to being located at an end portion as shown in FIGS. 3 & 4, sleeve biasing element 6 can also be located along the long sides of first and second sleeve sides 5, 9 and drawer biasing element 25 can be located along the long sides of first and second drawer sides 26, 22 of eyelash case 1, and/or sleeve biasing element 6 can also be located along the bottom sleeve side 7 and drawer biasing element 25 can be located along bottom drawer side 28 of eyelash case 1. In one embodiment, sleeve biasing element 6 is located at first sleeve side wall 9 and drawer biasing element 25 is located at second drawer side 22 in a manner that aligns sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 with each other upon sliding of drawer 300 into sleeve 200 to thus bias the drawer 300 into sleeve 300 to cause a closed and secured state. In another embodiment, sleeve biasing element 6 can be located at second sleeve side wall 5 and drawer biasing element 25 is located at first drawer side 26 in a manner that aligns sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 with each other upon sliding of drawer 300 into sleeve 200 to thus bias the drawer 300 into sleeve 300 to cause a closed and secured state. In yet another embodiment, sleeve biasing element 6 is located at first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 and drawer biasing element 25 is located at first drawer side 26 and second drawer side 22 in a manner that aligns sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 with each other upon sliding of drawer 300 into sleeve 200 to thus bias the drawer 300 into sleeve 300 to cause a closed and secured state. In still another embodiment, sleeve biasing element 6 is located at sleeve bottom wall 7 and drawer biasing element 25 is located at drawer bottom 28 in a manner that aligns sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 with each other upon sliding of drawer 300 into sleeve 200 to thus bias the drawer 300 into sleeve 300 to cause a closed and secured state. It is contemplated that one or more biasing mechanisms can be provided in accordance with the teachings of the instant disclosure, for example, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0041] The main consideration in the location of the biasing elements is that sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 are sufficiently aligned and in proximity to each other such that the elements of the biasing mechanism result in biasing force 30 that biases the drawer into the drawer compartment when the biasing elements are brought into proximity of each other. This is graphically illustrated in an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8 which depicts a cross-section of the eyelash case 1 in a partially closed position, that is, drawer 300 is not wholly within sleeve 200. In this exemplary embodiment, sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 are configured such that when they are brought into proximity of each other biasing force 30 results between these two biasing elements, drawing each towards one another and resultantly biasing drawer 300 into sleeve 200 to secure drawer 300 therein.

[0042] Proximity, as utilized herein, means that distance between a sleeve biasing element 6 and a drawer biasing element 25 at which the biasing force is sufficiently strong enough to be first detected by a user, typically via gasping grasping portion 23. Such distances obviously vary according to the configuration, type, number and method by with a biasing mechanism is provided in accordance with the teachings of the instant disclosure to bias drawer 300 into sleeve 200, to secure it therein. Non-limiting examples of proximities where sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 are brought into proximity of each other where a biasing force is initially established in order to bias the eyelash case, more particularly, biasing drawer 300 into sleeve 200, in a closed and secured state include up to 25 millimeters, up to 24 millimeters, up to 23 millimeters, up to 22 millimeters, up to 21 millimeters, up to 20 millimeters, up to 19 millimeters, up to 18 millimeters, up to 17 millimeters, up to 16 millimeters, up to 15 millimeters, up to 14 millimeters, up to 13 millimeters, up to 12 millimeters, up to 11 millimeters, up to 10 millimeters, up to 9 millimeters, up to 8 millimeters, up to 7 millimeters, up to 6 millimeters, up to 5 millimeters, up to 4 millimeters, up to 3 millimeters, up to 2 millimeters and up to 1 millimeter.

[0043] While an exemplary and preferred biasing mechanism is a magnetic biasing mechanism, other biasing mechanisms/may be utilized so long as such other biasing mechanism provides a biasing force 30 in order to bias the eyelash case, more particularly, biasing drawer 300 into sleeve 200, in a closed and secured state. Alternatively securing mechanisms can be used, for example, hook and loop fasteners and non-permanent adhesives having sufficient tackiness, for example, pressure sensitive adhesives, to secure drawer 300 into sleeve 200. Elements of such alternatively securing mechanisms may be provided at locations similar to sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25, or at other locations and/or one or more such alternatively securing mechanisms are contemplated.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 & 4, drawer 300 can further comprise a grasping element 23, and as shown in this embodiment, at first drawer end 21. It is to be noted that while grasping portion 23 is depicted here as a tab depending from first drawer end 21, it is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, grasping portion 23 may be provided at any suitable portion/location of drawer 300 that provides a user with sufficient grasping surface area to withdraw drawer 300 from sleeve 200. Furthermore, grasping portion 23 can be a solid tab, a handle, a knob, a piece of fabric or string, a looped piece of fabric or string, such fabric or string being smooth or rough. Roughness/coarseness of the fabric or string can provide a user with a better, more secure non-slip surface to grasp when withdrawing drawer 300 from sleeve 200. Indeed, sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 can provide sufficient biasing force for which such roughness/coarseness can provide added advantage when pulling drawer 300 out of sleeve 200. In particular embodiments, grasping portion 23 can have a coarseness/roughness that is similar to the coarseness/roughness associated with the hook portion of hook and loop fasteners. While only one grasping portion 23 is shown in this embodiment, it is contemplated that additional grasping portions may be provided at sleeve 200, if so desired, such as at back closed end 10, for example.

[0045] Eyelash case 1 can be made of any suitable material, such as from laminated paper, cardboard, plastic, paperboard, wood, metal or any suitable material or other combination of materials. In one embodiment, sleeve 200 can be comprised of a combination of different materials, such as paper or cardboard and plastic. In one example, sleeve top wall 3 with depending sides 4 can be made of a clear plastic material, whereas back closed end 10, first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 and sleeve bottom wall 7 can be made of a paper material, such as thick paperboard or multi-layered paperboard, for example. Furthermore, back closed end 10, first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 and sleeve bottom wall 7 can be further covered in an additional layer of material adhered thereto, such as to impart a particular color and/or indicium thereon. The surfaces, either internal or external and in any combination, of back closed end 10, first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 and sleeve bottom wall 7 can be provided having a surface with desired color and/or indicia. In a particular embodiment, at least one surface (either internal or external) of said first end, second end, sleeve bottom wall, first sleeve side wall and second sleeve side wall bounding said drawer compartment is an iridescent surface. In particular embodiments, transparent or translucent sleeve top wall 3 may also have iridescent surface indicia disposed thereon, such as company lettering, trademarks or logos, hashtags or any combination thereof.

[0046] In another example, sleeve top wall 3, first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 and sleeve bottom wall 7 are all made of a paper material, such as thick paperboard or multi-layered paperboard, for example. Furthermore, sleeve top wall 3, first sleeve side wall 9 and second sleeve side wall 5 and sleeve bottom wall 7 can be further covered in an additional layer of material adhered thereto, such as to impart a particular color and/or indicium thereon.

[0047] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing aspects of one embodiment provided in accordance with the teachings of the instant disclosure. Here, insert 400 is provided and fits within the drawer 300. Insert 400 in this embodiment is shown as being removable and is shown separated from and lifted away from drawer bottom 28. Other embodiments may provide insert 400 secured within drawer 300, if so desired. As further shown here, insert 400 provides at least one eyelash mount 27, here two eyelash mounts. Eyelash mounts may be provided in any number, depending upon the overall size of eyelash case 1, of course. In aspects of this embodiment, the insert can be configured to include two eyelash mounts, four eyelash mounts, six eyelash mounts, eight eyelash mounts, ten eyelash mounts, or twelve eyelash mounts. In other aspects of this embodiment, the insert can be configured to include at least two eyelash mounts, at least four eyelash mounts, at least six eyelash mounts, at least eight eyelash mounts, at least ten eyelash mounts, or at least twelve eyelash mounts. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, the insert can be configured to include at most two eyelash mounts, at most four eyelash mounts, at most six eyelash mounts, at most eight eyelash mounts, at most ten eyelash mounts, or at most twelve eyelash mounts. In still other aspects of this embodiment, the insert can be configured to include two to four eyelash mounts, two to six eyelash mounts, two to eight eyelash mounts, two to ten eyelash mounts, two to twelve eyelash mounts, four to six eyelash mounts, four to eight eyelash mounts, four to ten eyelash mounts, four to twelve eyelash mounts, six to eight eyelash mounts, six to ten eyelash mounts, six to twelve eyelash mounts, eight to ten eyelash mounts, eight to twelve eyelash mounts, or ten to twelve eyelash mounts.

[0048] In one embodiment, insert 400 has opposing and spaced apart first plateau portion 29a and a second plateau portion 29b, the at least two eyelash mounts located therebetween. First plateau portion 29a and a second plateau portion 29b are substantially parallel to drawer bottom 28 when insert 400 is positioned into/within the internal drawer space of drawer 300. Insert 400 can be made of any suitable material such as a metal, wood or plastic or any polymer, for example. Insert 400 can be comprised of plastic, and further it may be a translucent or transparent plastic that is made utilizing any known molding techniques, such as blow or injection molding. In particular embodiments, the cross-sectional thickness of the material making up insert 400 can be approximately the same thickness of the material utilized in making sleeve top wall 3, or even be made of the same material. In particular embodiments, insert 400 and sleeve top wall 3 are both provided having cross-sectional thicknesses that are less than the cross-sectional thickness of sleeve bottom wall 7, first sleeve side wall 9, second sleeve side wall 5 and back closed end 10 for example. The thickness of insert 400 and sleeve top wall 3 can be from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm or any number therebetween, such as, e.g., about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm, about 0.75 mm to about 1.0 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 1.25 mm, about 0.75 mm to about 1.25 mm, about 0.75 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 1 mm to about 1.25 mm, or about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0049] In particular embodiments, eyelash mounts 27 can each have an eyelash mounting surface 37 to which false eyelashes 500 may be removably mounted. Removable mounting of false eyelashes 500 to eyelash mounting surface 37 is typically accomplished via a non-permanent adhesive. Eyelashes 500 are typically comprised of a plurality of false lashes 31 that are secured to and emanate from a false eyelash base 34. In particular embodiments and as shown in FIG. 5, eyelash mounting surface 37 can be curved and is substantially perpendicular to a bottom channel 33 of insert 400. In one configuration and as shown in FIG. 5, bottom channel 33 spans the longest length of insert 400 and is between and below the opposing and spaced apart plateau portion 29a and a second plateau portion 29b, the bottom channel 33 being juxtaposed (and fits flush with) drawer bottom 28 when insert 400 is placed within drawer 300. It is noted that in accordance with the present teachings, the overall geometry/configuration/contours of insert 400 can be provided as an internal part of drawer 300, that is, not as a removable insert and that drawer 300 may be made (shaped, molded, cast, or forged, for example) having an internal drawer configuration that matches the contours of insert 400.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of drawer 300 showing insert 400 fitted within the drawer compartment, insert 300 having first plateau portion 29a and second plateau portion 29b and the top of false eyelash mount 27 (here, a pair of false eyelashes and eyelash mounts are shown) having a pair of false eyelashes disposed thereon. Grasping portion 23 is shown here at first drawer end 21 but may be at second drawer end 24 (alone or in addition to a grasping portion at first drawer end 21). Accordingly, drawer biasing element 25 (here shown at second drawer end 24) can be provided at first drawer end 21, alone or in addition to a drawer biasing element 25 at second drawer end 24. Accordingly, sleeve biasing element 6, or a plurality of sleeve biasing elements 6, would be provided at an appropriate location(s) of sleeve 200 and in accordance with the teachings herein disclosed.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7 of FIG. 1, showing a cross-section of an embodiment of an eyelash case 1 in accordance with the instant disclosure. In this embodiment and as shown on the left side of FIG. 7, a biasing mechanism is shown that includes a sleeve biasing element 6 and a drawer biasing element 25. Here, the sleeve biasing element 6 provided set within back closed end 10 of sleeve 200 and is in proximity to the drawer compartment. While depicted at this particular location, sleeve biasing element 6 can be provided at any useful position of sleeve 200. Sleeve biasing element 6 may, in addition to being set within the wall of back closed end 10 of sleeve 200, be positioned on either an internal or external surface of back closed end 10 of sleeve 200, for example or any surface of sleeve 200 so long as it aligns with a drawer biasing element 25 of drawer 300 in order to affect a bias of drawer into the sleeve in accordance with the teachings provided by the instant disclosure. Similarly, drawer biasing element 25 is here depicted embedded within the wall of second drawer end 24, however drawer biasing element 25 may also be provided at any useful position of drawer 300, for example. Drawer biasing element 25 may, in addition to being set within the wall of second drawer end 24 of drawer 300, be positioned on either an internal or external surface of second drawer end 24 of drawer 300, for example.

[0052] Turning to FIG. 9, an embodiment is shown from a perspective view, the drawer of the eyelash case having a plurality of drawer biasing elements 40a and 40b spaced apart and at a long, back side of the drawer. Accordingly, sleeve biasing elements 51a and 51b are appropriately disposed in this embodiment such that when drawer biasing elements 40a and 40b are in substantial alignment with sleeve biasing elements 51a and 51b, the drawer is biased into the drawer compartment when these pluralities of sleeve biasing elements and drawer biasing elements are brought into a proximity of each other. Exemplary proximities can be up to and including about 30 millimeters, up to about 25 millimeters, up to about 20 millimeters, up to about 15 millimeters, up to about 10 millimeters, up to about 5 millimeters and up to about 1 millimeter.

[0053] While eyelash case 1 has been generally shown to have a rectangular shape, it is contemplated that eyelash case can be any preferred shape, including, but not limited to, a disc shape, a cylindrical a triangular shape, a pyramidal shape, a spherical shape, a square shape, a cubic shape or a trapezoidal shape. In addition, an exemplary shape of sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 are shown having a circular shape. It is further contemplated that sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 can be shaped, including and not limited to, a square, rectangular, ellipse, or triangular shape. In addition, sleeve biasing element 6 and drawer biasing element 25 are shown here in one embodiment as being centered in their respective sides of sleeve 200 and drawer 300. It is contemplated that when a plurality of sleeve biasing elements and drawer biasing elements are utilized, they may be evenly spaced apart or adjacent each other at their respective positions at sleeve 200 and drawer 300. In addition, while only one drawer 300 is shown in the figures, it is contemplated that eyeglass case 1 can have a plurality of drawers 300, as well as a plurality of pairs of false eyelashes on a plurality of pairs of eyelash mounts.

[0054] In other aspects, the present specification discloses [0055] 1. An eyelash case, comprising: a sleeve defining a drawer compartment, the sleeve comprising a first open end and a second closed end, the first open end and the second closed end opposing and spaced apart from one another, a sleeve top wall and a sleeve bottom wall, the sleeve top wall and the sleeve bottom wall opposed and spaced apart from one another, and a first sleeve side wall and a second sleeve side wall, the first sleeve side wall and the second sleeve side wall opposed and spaced apart from one another, the first open end, the second closed end, the sleeve top wall, the sleeve bottom wall and the sleeve side wall bounding the drawer compartment; a drawer defining an internal drawer space, the drawer comprising a first drawer end and a second drawer end, the first drawer end and the second drawer end opposed and spaced apart from each other, a first drawer side and a second drawer side, the first and second drawer sides opposed and spaced apart from each other and substantially perpendicular to said first and second drawer ends, and a drawer bottom, the first and second drawer ends, the first and second drawer sides and the drawer bottom bounding the internal drawer space, wherein the drawer is sized to fit into the drawer compartment; an insert comprising at least one eyelash mount, the insert sized to fit into the internal drawer space; and a magnetic biasing mechanism comprising a sleeve biasing element and a drawer biasing element, the drawer biasing element being in substantial alignment with the sleeve biasing element in a manner that biases the drawer into the drawer compartment when the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element are brought into proximity of each other. [0056] 2. An eyelash case, comprising: a sleeve having a first open end and a second closed end, the first end and the second end opposing and spaced apart from one another; a sleeve top wall and a sleeve bottom wall, the sleeve top wall and the sleeve bottom wall opposed and spaced apart from one another; a first sleeve side wall and a second sleeve side wall, the first sleeve side wall and the second sleeve side wall opposed and spaced apart from one another, the first end, second end, sleeve top wall, sleeve bottom wall, first sleeve side wall and second sleeve side wall bounding and providing a drawer compartment; a drawer, the drawer having first and second drawer ends opposed and spaced apart from each other, first and second drawer sides opposed and spaced apart from each other and substantially perpendicular to the first and second drawer ends, a drawer bottom, the drawer ends, drawer sides and drawer bottom bounding an internal drawer space; an insert comprising at least one eyelash mount, the insert being provided within the internal drawer space; and a magnetic biasing mechanism including a sleeve biasing element and a drawer biasing element, the drawer biasing element being in substantial alignment with the sleeve biasing element and arranged such that upon insertion of the drawer into the drawer compartment, the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element cause the drawer to bias into the drawer compartment when the drawer biasing element and the sleeve biasing element are brought into a proximity of each other. [0057] 3. An eyelash case, comprising: a sleeve having a first open end and a second closed end, the first open end and the second closed end opposed and spaced apart from each other, a sleeve top wall and a sleeve bottom wall, the sleeve top wall and the sleeve bottom wall opposed and spaced apart from each other, a sleeve side wall between the sleeve top wall and the sleeve bottom wall, wherein the first open end, second closed end, sleeve top wall, sleeve bottom wall and sleeve side wall bound and provide a drawer compartment; a drawer having a drawer bottom, a first and a second drawer end, and a first and a second drawer side bounding an internal drawer space, the drawer sized to fit into said drawer compartment; an insert comprising at least one eyelash mount, said insert being provided within the internal drawer space; and a magnetic biasing mechanism including a sleeve biasing element and a drawer biasing element, the drawer biasing element being in substantial alignment with the sleeve biasing element biasing and arranged such that upon insertion of the drawer into the drawer compartment, the sleeve biasing element and drawer biasing element are brought into proximity of each other causing the drawer to bias into the drawer compartment. [0058] 4. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the sleeve biasing element or the drawer biasing element comprises a magnet. [0059] 5. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the sleeve biasing element and the drawer biasing element each comprise a magnet. [0060] 6. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the sleeve biasing element comprises a magnet and the drawer biasing element is not a magnet but includes a ferromagnetic material that renders attraction of the drawer biasing element to the sleeve biasing element when brought into a proximity of each other. [0061] 7. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the drawer biasing element comprises a magnet and the sleeve biasing element includes a ferromagnetic material that renders attraction of the sleeve biasing element to the drawer biasing element when brought into a proximity of each other. [0062] 8. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the sleeve biasing element is provided at the second closed end of the sleeve. [0063] 9. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the drawer biasing element is provided at the second drawer end of the drawer. [0064] 10. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the sleeve biasing element is provided at the second closed end of the sleeve and the drawer biasing element is provided at the second drawer end of the drawer. [0065] 11. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the sleeve biasing element is provided at the bottom wall of the sleeve. [0066] 12. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7 or 11, wherein the drawer biasing element is provided at the drawer bottom of the drawer. [0067] 13. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7, 11 or 12, wherein the sleeve biasing element is provided at the bottom wall of the sleeve and the drawer biasing element is provided at the drawer bottom of the drawer. [0068] 14. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the sleeve biasing element is provided at the first sleeve side wall of the sleeve. [0069] 15. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7 or 14, wherein the drawer biasing element is provided at the first drawer side of the drawer. [0070] 16. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7, 14 or 15, wherein the sleeve biasing element is provided at the first sleeve side wall of the sleeve and the drawer biasing element is provided at the first drawer side of the drawer. [0071] 17. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the sleeve biasing element is provided at the second sleeve side wall of the sleeve. [0072] 18. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7 or 17, wherein the drawer biasing element is provided at the second drawer side of the drawer. [0073] 19. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-7, 17 or 18, wherein the sleeve biasing element is provided at the second sleeve side wall of the sleeve and the drawer biasing element is provided at the second drawer side of the drawer. [0074] 20. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-19, wherein the magnetic biasing mechanism comprising a plurality of sleeve biasing elements and a plurality of drawer biasing elements. [0075] 21. The eyelash case according to embodiment 20, wherein the plurality of sleeve biasing elements and drawer biasing elements comprise (i) a first sleeve biasing element provided at the second closed end of the sleeve and a first drawer biasing element provided at the second drawer end of the drawer, (ii) a second sleeve biasing element provided at the bottom wall of the sleeve and a second drawer biasing element provided at the drawer bottom of the drawer, (iii) a third sleeve biasing element provided at the first sleeve side wall of the sleeve and a third drawer biasing element is provided at the first drawer side of the drawer, (iv) a fourth sleeve biasing element provided at the second sleeve side wall of the sleeve and a fourth drawer biasing element provided at the second drawer side of the drawer, or any combination of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv). [0076] 22. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-21, wherein the at least one eyelash mount is at least two eyelash mounts, at least four eyelash mounts, at least six eyelash mounts, at least eight eyelash mounts, at least ten eyelash mounts, or at least twelve eyelash mounts. [0077] 23. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the insert is translucent or transparent. [0078] 24. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-23, wherein the insert is sized to friction fit with the internal drawer space. [0079] 25. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-24, wherein the insert comprises a first plateau portion, a second plateau portion and a bottom channel, the first and second plateau portions being opposed and spaced apart and elevated relative to the bottom channel running therebetween. [0080] 26. The eyelash case of embodiment 25, wherein the at least one eyelash mount are located between the first and second plateau portions. [0081] 27. The eyelash case of embodiment 25 or 26, wherein the bottom channel comprises a side wall, the side wall including the at least one eyelash mount emanating from the side wall. [0082] 28. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-27, wherein the at least one eyelash mount each have an eyelash mounting surface, the eyelash mounting surface being curved and arising from and substantially perpendicular to a bottom channel of the insert. [0083] 29. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-28, wherein the sleeve top wall is transparent or translucent. [0084] 30. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-29, wherein at least one exterior surface of the second closed end, the sleeve bottom wall, the first sleeve side wall and the second sleeve side wall is an iridescent surface. [0085] 31. The eyelash case of embodiment 30, wherein the sleeve top wall and the sleeve bottom wall include iridescent indicia therein or thereon. [0086] 32. The eyelash case according to any one of embodiments 1-31, wherein the drawer includes a grasping element. [0087] 33. The eyelash case of embodiment 32, wherein the grasping element is located at the first drawer end.

[0088] In closing, foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is to be understood that, although aspects of the present invention are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these described embodiments are only illustrative of the principles comprising the present invention. As such, the specific embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Therefore, it should be understood that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are in no way limited to a particular element, compound, composition, component, article, apparatus, methodology, use, protocol, step, and/or limitation described herein, unless expressly stated as such.

[0089] In addition, groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, steps and/or limitations of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each such grouping may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other groupings disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more alternative embodiments, elements, steps and/or limitations of a grouping may be included in, or deleted from, the grouping for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the grouping as modified, thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0090] Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that certain changes, modifications, permutations, alterations, additions, subtractions, and sub-combinations thereof can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it is intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such changes, modifications, permutations, alterations, additions, subtractions, and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to that precisely as shown and described by this specification.

[0091] Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for conducting 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 expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors 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.

[0092] The words, language, and terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, elements, steps and/or limitations only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims. In addition, such words, language, and terminology are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element, step or limitation can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

[0093] The definitions and meanings of the elements, steps or limitations recited in a claim set forth below are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements, steps or limitations which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements, steps and/or limitations may be made for any one of the elements, steps or limitations in a claim set forth below or that a single element, step, or limitation may be substituted for two or more elements, steps and/or limitations in such a claim. Although elements, steps or limitations may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements, steps and/or limitations from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. As such, notwithstanding the fact that the elements, steps and/or limitations of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more, or different elements, steps and/or limitations, which are disclosed in above combination even when not initially claimed in such combinations. Furthermore, insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. Accordingly, the claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

[0094] 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 term “about.” As used herein, the term “about” means 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. For instance, as mass spectrometry instruments can vary slightly in determining the mass of a given analyte, the term “about” in the context of the mass of an ion or the mass/charge ratio of an ion refers to +/−0.50 atomic mass unit. 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 comparable 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.

[0097] 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 indicators—such as, e.g., “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.

[0098] When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the open-ended transitional term “comprising”, variations thereof such as, e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”, and equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof like “including”, “containing” and “having”, encompass all the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features alone or in combination with unrecited subject matter; the named elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations, steps, integers, 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” (or variations thereof such as, e.g., “consist of”, “consists of”, “consist essentially of”, and “consists 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, integer, 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, integers, and/or features and any other elements, limitations, steps, integers, 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, integers, 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, integers, and/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements, limitations, steps, integers, 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” (and 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, the embodiments described herein or so claimed with the phrase “comprising” expressly and unambiguously provide description, enablement, and support for the phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”

[0099] Lastly, all patents, patent publications, and other references cited 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. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge from any country. In addition, nothing in this regard is or 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 are based on the information available to the applicant and do not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.