RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The subject of this patent application relates generally to packaging, and more particularly to a hair extension packaging apparatus configured for supporting an at least one hair extension thereon.

[0003] Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application.

[0004] By way of background, hair extensions that are manufactured for retail are traditionally packaged in either boxes or attached to the front surface of a planar backing. Boxes have the benefit of protecting the hair extensions while providing ample surface area on the front of the box for branding and product information (hereinafter referred to generally as “product information” for simplicity purposes); however, boxes also prevent potential customers from being able to see the entire hair extensions, and from feeling the hair extensions. Additionally, boxes require relatively more materials to manufacture, thereby increasing the total manufacturing cost of the hair extensions, while also requiring relatively more retail shelf space. Alternatively, planar backings allow potential customers to see and feel the entire hair extensions, with such backings also requiring relatively less materials to manufacture along with relatively less retail shelf space; however, because the hair extensions are attached to the front surface of such backings, there is little to no surface area on which product information may be printed.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved packaging solution for hair extensions that allows for visual access to the hair extensions, requires relatively minimal materials to manufacture, requires relatively minimal retail shelf space, and provides ample surface area on which product information may be printed. Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described in the following summary.

[0006] It should be noted that the above background description includes information that may be useful in understanding aspects of the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

SUMMARY

[0007] Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

[0008] The present invention solves the problems described above by providing a hair extension packaging apparatus configured for supporting an at least one hair extension 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 substantially planar 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 an at least one mounting mechanism positioned and configured for removably securing the at least one hair extension thereto. The transition portion provides an at least one extension aperture positioned and configured for allowing a free length of the at least one hair extension to extend therethrough when the at least one hair extension is removably secured to the front surface of the upper portion, such that the free length of the at least one hair extension is positioned substantially adjacent to a rear surface of the lower portion.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, 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 in a plane that intersects the planes in which the upper and lower portions lie. [0010] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, each of the upper portion, lower portion and transition portion is constructed out of at least one of paper, cardboard, card stock, plastic, wood, metal, and rubber.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, the apparatus has a width sufficient for supporting two or more hair extensions in a substantially side-by-side arrangement thereon.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, the at least one mounting mechanism is an at least one mounting aperture sized and configured for receiving a tie wrap therethrough.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, each of the at least one extension aperture is sized and configured for allowing the free length of a one of the at least one hair extension to extend therethrough.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, each of the at least one extension aperture is sized and configured for allowing the free length of two or more hair extensions to extend therethrough.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, each of the at least one extension aperture is substantially linearly aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one mounting mechanism.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, an opposing front surface of the lower portion provides product information related to the at least one hair extension [0017] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, the front surface of the upper portion provides product information related to the at least one hair extension.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, an opposing rear surface of the upper portion provides product information related to the at least one hair extension.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, an at least one extension band is configured for wrapping around the at least one hair extension so as to assist in preventing individual hairs of the at least one hair extension from becoming tangled when the at least one hair extension is removably secured to the front surface of the upper portion.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, the at least one extension band is constructed out of at least one of paper, cardboard, card stock, plastic, wood, metal, and rubber.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, the at least one extension band is engaged with the at least one hair extension in a position substantially adjacent to the front surface of the upper portion.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, the at least one extension band is engaged with the at least one hair extension in a position substantially adjacent to the rear surface of the lower portion

[0023] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, the at least one extension band is engaged with the at least one hair extension in a position located a distance beyond a free end of the lower portion. [0024] According to an embodiment of the hair extension packaging apparatus, or in addition to any above-disclosed embodiment, an outer surface of the at least one extension band provides product information related to the at least one hair extension.

[0025] In at least one embodiment of a hair extension packaging apparatus for supporting an at least one hair extension thereon, the apparatus provides a substantially planar upper portion; 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; a substantially planar transition portion interconnecting the upper and lower portions such that the upper and lower portions are linearly offset from one another, the transition portion lying in a plane that intersects the planes in which the upper and lower portions lie; a front surface of the upper portion providing an at least one mounting mechanism positioned and configured for removably securing the at least one hair extension thereto; the transition portion providing an at least one extension aperture positioned and configured for allowing a free length of the at least one hair extension to extend therethrough when the at least one hair extension is removably secured to the front surface of the upper portion, such that the free length of the at least one hair extension is positioned substantially adjacent to a rear surface of the lower portion; and the apparatus having a height that is less than a length of the at least one hair extension.

[0026] In at least one embodiment of a hair extension packaging apparatus for supporting an at least one hair extension thereon, the apparatus provides a substantially planar upper portion; a substantially planar lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion; a substantially planar 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 providing an at least one mounting mechanism positioned and configured for removably securing the at least one hair extension thereto; the transition portion providing an at least one extension aperture positioned and configured for allowing a free length of the at least one hair extension to extend therethrough when the at least one hair extension is removably secured to the front surface of the upper portion, such that the free length of the at least one hair extension is positioned substantially adjacent to a rear surface of the lower portion; and each of the at least one extension aperture substantially linearly aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one mounting mechanism. [0027] Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention. In such drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 is a front view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0031 ] Figure 3 is a rear view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 is a side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 is a bottom view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 8 is a front view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 9 is a rear view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0038] Figure 10 is a side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 1 1 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 12 is a bottom view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment; [0041] Figure 13 is a front view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0042] Figure 14 is a front view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0043] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a still further exemplary hair extension packaging apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0044] Figure 16 is a front view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0045] Figure 17 is a rear view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 18 is a side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 19 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 20 is a bottom view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

[0049] Figure 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.

[0050] 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

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 substantially planar 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 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.

[0053] 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 developed - dependent 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 - so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0054] 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 developed - dependent 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 - so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0055] 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, which each of the upper and lower seams 54 and 56 also being perforated.

[0056] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, each of the at least one extension aperture 40 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 developed - dependent 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 - so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 developed - dependent 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 - so 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.

[0060] 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 developed - dependent 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 - so 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 substituted - for example, pins, snaps, buttons, magnets, hook-and-loop material, adhesives, etc.

[0061 ] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 “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.

[0067] 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.”

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.