BACKGROUND [0001] The subject of this patent application relates generally to combat sport training, and more particularly to a combat sport training pad apparatus configured for providing a relatively lightweight yet effective padding for absorbing impacts.

[0002] Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application.

[0003] By way of background, combat sports (or fighting sports) - such as boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and the various forms of martial arts, for example - are competitive contact sports that typically involve one-on-one combat - either with or without the use of weapons. Many such combat sports involve learning techniques for striking and/or kicking using various parts of the body, and sometimes also involving the use of weapons. Given the physical contact inherent in such combat sports, practicing or training typically requires that certain precautions be taken to protect the practitioners, such as wearing protective gear and using training pads. [0004] Training pads come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and configurations for being worn on various parts of the body - depending on the particular style of combat sport for which they are to be used - and provide protection by absorbing energy from a blow or thrust generated by a practitioner. Training pads designed for use in connection with strikes and kicks typically incorporate a relatively low density, spongy foam material, as such material tends to adequately absorb shock forces that are generated by strikes and kicks; thus preventing such forces from traveling to the trainer where it may result in injury. Such material is also, in turn, relatively gentler on the practitioner delivering the strikes and kicks. However, such low density, spongy foam material is not as effective in stopping the penetrating force of linear or thrusting strikes and kicks. As a result, alternative types of foam materials, such as relatively high density foams, are often used in training pads designed for use in connection with thrusting strikes and kicks. Other training pads incorporate a combination of low density and high density foam materials in an attempt to adequately absorb either type of strike or kick. Thus, certain training pads have attempted to address the issue of protecting the trainer from a variety of full powered strikes and kicks, while also offering the striking and kicking practitioner a more comfortable yet solid and stable pad against which to practice.

[0005] Another issue with traditional training pads is that the materials used can often cause the training pads to be relatively heavy, making it more difficult for the trainer to hold it properly while receiving full powered strikes and kicks; thereby leading to possible injury if the trainer unintentionally drops the training pad. Thus, it would be beneficial for such a training pad to be relatively lighter, easier to hold and have much less impact on both the trainer and practitioner. [0006] Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described in the following summary. 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 combat sport training pad apparatus configured for providing a relatively lightweight yet effective padding for absorbing impacts. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one pad assembly and a cover sized and configured for substantially enclosing the at least one pad assembly therewithin. The at least one pad assembly provides an at least one air chamber configured for storing a volume of air, along with a first pad portion configured for being positioned in adjacent contact with a first surface of the air chamber.

[0009] 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 [0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention. In such drawings: [0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary combat sport training pad apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0012] Figures 2 and 3 are exploded views of an exemplary pad assembly of the training pad apparatus shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further exemplary combat sport training pad apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment; [0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

[0015] Figures 6-9 are perspective assembly views of the training pad apparatus shown in Fig. 4, in accordance with at least one embodiment; [0016] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 9;

[0017] Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of a further exemplary pad assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment; [0018] Figure 12 is an exploded view thereof;

[0019] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a still further exemplary pad assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment; [0020] Figure 14 is an exploded view thereof;

[0021] Figure 15 is an exploded view of a still further exemplary combat sport training pad apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 16 is an exploded view of a still further exemplary combat sport training pad apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment; [0023] Figures 17 and 18 are partial perspective views of the training pad apparatus shown in Fig. 16 as worn by a user, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

[0024] Figure 19 is an exploded view of a still further exemplary combat sport training pad apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0025] 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

[0026] Turning now to Figs. 1-3, there are shown perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a combat training pad apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides an at least one pad assembly 22 and a cover 24 sized and configured for substantially enclosing the at least one pad assembly 22 therewithin. In at least one embodiment, as best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the at least one pad assembly 22 provides an at least one air chamber 26 configured for storing a volume of air. In at least one embodiment, the at least one air chamber 26 is an air bladder 28 providing a valve 30 that allows the air bladder 28 to be selectively inflated and deflated. In such an embodiment, the air bladder 28 may provide a single chamber or multiple chambers. In further embodiments, the at least one air chamber 26 may be any other structure or combination of structures - now known or later developed - capable of holding a sufficient volume of air. In at least one embodiment, the at least one pad assembly 22 also provides a first pad portion 32 configured for being positioned in adjacent contact with a first surface 34 of the at least one air chamber 26. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, an engagement surface 36 of the first pad portion 32 provides an at least one first cutout 38 sized for approximating the dimensions of the at least one air chamber 26 for receiving at least a portion of the at least one air chamber 26 therewithin. [0027] With continued reference to Figs. 1-3, in at least one embodiment, the at least one pad assembly 22 also provides a second pad portion 40 that is sized and configured for being positioned in adjacent contact with an opposing second surface 42 of the at least one air chamber 26, the first and second pad portions 32 and 40 cooperating to substantially enclose the at least one air chamber 26 therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, the engagement surface 36 of the first pad portion 32 is configured for selectively contacting a corresponding engagement surface 44 of the second pad portion 40, such that the at least one air chamber 26 is sandwiched between the first and second pad portions 32 and 40. In at least one embodiment, as best illustrated in Fig. 2, the engagement surface 44 of the second pad portion 40 provides an at least one second cutout 46 sized for approximating the dimensions of the at least one air chamber 26 for receiving at least a portion of the at least one air chamber 26 therewithin. In such an embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, each of the first and second cutouts 38 and 46 are positioned on the respective first and second pad portions 32 and 40 so as to be substantially aligned when the first and second pad portions 32 and 40 are in selective contact, thereby cooperating to form an at least one cavity 48 sized for receiving the at least one air chamber 26. It should be noted that, in at least one embodiment (not shown), rather than being an air bladder 28, the at least one air chamber 26 is the at least one cavity 48 itself.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 6-10, an inner surface 50 of the first cutout 38 is configured for approximating a contour of the first surface 34 of the at least one air chamber 26. In at least one further embodiment, not shown, an inner surface 52 of the second cutout 46 is configured for approximating a contour of the second surface 42 of the at least one air chamber 26. In this way, in such embodiments, the at least one air chamber 26 is better supported when positioned within the cavity 48, while also reducing the volume of unoccupied space within the cavity 48 (i.e., the space within the cavity 48 that is not occupied by the at least one air chamber 26). [0029] With continued reference to Figs. 6-10, in at least one embodiment, the first pad portion 32 is removably engagable with the second pad portion 40. In at least one such embodiment, the first pad portion 32 provides a sidewall 54 projecting substantially perpendicularly from the engagement surface 36 of the first pad portion 32 and extending substantially around a perimeter of the first cutout 38. The sidewall 54 is sized and configured for approximating the dimensions of the second cutout 46, thereby allowing the sidewall 54 to be frictionally inserted into the second cutout 46 for assisting in maintaining the removable engagement between the first and second pad portions 32 and 40. In at least one alternate embodiment, not shown, the second pad portion 40 provides a sidewall projecting substantially perpendicularly from the engagement surface 44 of the second pad portion 40 and extending substantially around a perimeter of the second cutout 46, with the sidewall sized and configured for approximating the dimensions of the first cutout 38, thereby allowing the sidewall to be frictionally inserted into the first cutout 38 for assisting in maintaining the removable engagement between the first and second pad portions 32 and 40.

[0030] In at least one further embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 13-15, the engagement surface 36 of the first pad portion 32 does not provide a first cutout 38, but instead is substantially planar, such that the entire at least one air chamber 26 is selectively positionable within the at least one second cutout 46 of the second pad portion 40. In at least one still further embodiment, as illustrated best in Figs. 14 and 15, where the at least one second cutout 46 is relatively deeper than a depth of the at least one air chamber 26, the engagement surface 36 of the first pad portion 32 may provide a filler member 56 sized and configured for filling a corresponding volume of unoccupied space within the second cutout 46 when the first and second pad portions 32 and 40 are in contact with one another. In at least one such embodiment, the filler member 56 is sized and configured for approximating the dimensions of the second cutout 46, thereby allowing the filler member 56 to be frictionally inserted into the second cutout 46 for assisting in maintaining a removable engagement between the first and second pad portions 32 and 40. In at least one further embodiment, the filler member 56 is configured for approximating a contour of the first surface 34 of the at least one air chamber 26. In yet another embodiment, not shown, the engagement surface 44 of the second pad portion 40 does not provide a second cutout 46, but instead is substantially planar, such that the entire at least one air chamber 26 is selectively positionable within the at least one first cutout 38 of the first pad portion 32. In at least one still further embodiment, also not shown, where the at least one first cutout 38 is relatively deeper than the depth of the at least one air chamber 26, the engagement surface 44 of the second pad portion 40 may provide a filler member sized and configured for filling a corresponding volume of unoccupied space within the first cutout 38 when the first and second pad portions 32 and 40 are in contact with one another. In at least one such embodiment, the filler member is sized and configured for approximating the dimensions of the first cutout 38, thereby allowing the filler member to be frictionally inserted into the first cutout 38 for assisting in maintaining a removable engagement between the first and second pad portions 32 and 40. In at least one further embodiment, the filler member is configured for approximating a contour of the second surface 42 of the at least one air chamber 26.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the second pad portion 40 is relatively denser than the first pad portion 32, such that the first pad portion 32 is capable of providing a relatively softer surface for receiving impacts - which both absorbs shock forces generated by such impacts and provides a cushion for the source of the impact - while the second pad portion 40 is capable of providing a relatively denser, more rigid surface for both maintaining the structural integrity of the pad assembly 22 and protecting a user 58 (i.e., the person holding the apparatus 20) from the penetrating force of linear or thrusting impacts. Thus, in such embodiments, this combination of materials allows the apparatus 20 to provide a relatively lightweight yet effective padding for absorbing impacts. In at least one such embodiment, the first pad portion 32 is made of an open cell foam material, such as a low density open cell polyurethane foam for example. In at least one embodiment, the second pad portion 40 is made of a closed cell foam material, such as a high density closed cell polyurethane foam for example. In still further embodiments, the first and second pad portions 32 and 40 may be constructed out of any other materials or combinations of materials - now known or later developed - so long as the apparatus 20 is substantially capable of carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the cover 24 is made of a relatively flexible material, such as leather, faux leather, vinyl, fabric or canvas, for example. In still further embodiments, the cover 24 may be constructed out of any other materials or combinations of materials - now known or later developed - so long as the apparatus 20 is substantially capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. As illustrated in Figs. 1, 4, 8, 9, 15 and 19, in at least one embodiment, the cover 24 provides an at least one opening 60 sized for allowing the at least one pad assembly 22 to be selectively removed from and inserted within the cover 24. Additionally, in at least one such embodiment, the at least one opening 60 is configured for being selectively closable using zippers 62, laces 64, hook-and-loop material, snaps, or any other fastener or combination of fasteners - now known or later developed - capable of selectively sealing the at least one opening 60. In at least one alternate embodiment, the at least one pad assembly 22 is permanently enclosed within the cover 24.

[0033] It should be noted that the particular sizes, shapes, dimensions and configurations of each of the first and second pad portions 32 and 40, the at least one air chamber 26, and the cover 24, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, are merely exemplary and intended to be viewed as select non-limiting examples of the apparatus 20 in order to facilitate a more complete understanding of representative embodiments now contemplated. These examples are intended to be a mere subset of all possible contexts in which the apparatus 20 may be utilized. Thus, these examples should not be construed to limit any of the embodiments described in the present specification. Ultimately, the apparatus 20 may be utilized in virtually any context where the use of a protective pad is desired - whether for combat training purposes or otherwise. As such, in further embodiments, the respective sizes, shapes, dimensions and configurations of each of the first and second pad portions 32 and 40, the at least one air chamber 26, and the cover 24 may vary, so long as the apparatus 20 is substantially capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. In part, the particular sizes, shapes, dimensions and configurations of each of the first and second pad portions 32 and 40, the at least one air chamber 26, and the cover 24 are dependent upon the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be used. [0034] For example, the embodiments of the apparatus 20 as depicted in Figs. 1-10 are configured for being used as a handheld pad, with the pad assembly 22 and cover 24 being substantially rectangular in shape and an at least one handle 66 appropriately positioned on an outer surface 68 of the cover 24. Other exemplary shapes are illustrated in Figs. 13-15. [0035] In another embodiment, as depicted in Figs. 1 1 and 12, the apparatus 20 is configured for being used as a punching bag. In at least one such embodiment, the second pad portion 40 is substantially cylindrical in shape, providing a chain 70 for selectively suspending the apparatus 20 above a floor or similar surface - though, in at least one further embodiment, the chain 70 is engaged with the cover 24 (not shown). With continued reference to Figs. 11 and 12, the at least one air chamber 26 is sized and configured for being wrapped around the second pad portion 40

- such that the second surface 42 of the air chamber 26 is in contact with the engagement surface 44 of the second pad portion 40 - with the first pad portion 32 similarly being sized and configured for being wrapped around the at least one air chamber 26 - such that the first surface 34 of the air chamber 26 is in contact with the engagement surface 36 of the first pad portion 32

- thereby sandwiching the at least one air chamber 26 between the first and second pad portions 32 and 40. With the first pad portion 32, at least one air chamber 26 and second pad portion 40 so arranged, the resulting pad assembly 22 may be selectively inserted into the cover 24.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, as depicted in Figs. 16-18, the apparatus 20 is configured for being used as a wearable pad. In at least one such embodiment, the second pad portion 40 is omitted, with the at least one air chamber 26 sized and configured for being wrapped around a body part (such as an arm, leg 72 or torso 74, for example) of the user 58 - such that the second surface 42 of the air chamber 26 is in contact with the appropriate body part of the user 58 - and the first pad portion 32 being sized and configured for being wrapped around the at least one air chamber 26 - such that the first surface 34 of the air chamber 26 is in contact with the engagement surface 36 of the first pad portion 32 - thereby sandwiching the at least one air chamber 26 between the first pad portion 32 and the appropriate body part of the user 58. In at least one further embodiment, not shown, the second pad portion 40 may be included and wrapped around the appropriate body part of the user 58, rather than the at least one air chamber 26 directly. In such embodiments, the cover 24 is securely wrapped around the resulting pad assembly 22, as illustrated in Fig. 17. In at least one such embodiment, the cover 24 provides a fastener 76 configured for allowing the cover 24 to be securely wrapped around the pad assembly 22. Additionally, in at least one further such embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 18, the apparatus 20 may provide an at least one positioning strap 78 configured for extending between the cover 24 and another body part of the user 58, thereby assisting the apparatus 20 in maintaining its desired position on the appropriate body part of the user 58.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, as depicted in Fig. 19, the cover 24 provides an at least one elongate strap 80 configured for allowing the cover 24 to be selectively engaged about a desired body part of the user 58. In still further embodiments, any other structures or combination of structures - now known or later developed - capable of allowing the apparatus 20 to be selectively engaged about a desired body part of the user 58 may be substituted.

[0038] Aspects of the present specification may also be described as follows: [0039] 1. A combat sport training pad apparatus comprising: an at least one pad assembly providing: an at least one air chamber configured for storing a volume of air; and a first pad portion configured for being positioned in adjacent contact with a first surface of the air chamber; and a cover sized and configured for substantially enclosing the at least one pad assembly therewithin.

[0040] 2. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one pad assembly further provides a second pad portion configured for being positioned in adjacent contact with an opposing second surface of the at least one air chamber, the first and second pad portions cooperating to substantially enclose the at least one air chamber therebetween. [0041] 3. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-2, wherein the first pad portion is removably engagable with the second pad portion.

[0042] 4. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-3, wherein the second pad portion is relatively denser than the first pad portion.

[0043] 5. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-4, wherein the first pad portion is made of an open cell foam material.

[0044] 6. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-5, wherein the second pad portion is made of a closed cell foam material.

[0045] 7. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-6, wherein an engagement surface of the first pad portion provides an at least one first cutout sized for approximating the dimensions of the at least one air chamber for receiving at least a portion of the at least one air chamber therewithin.

[0046] 8. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-7, wherein an inner surface of the first cutout is configured for approximating a contour of the first surface of the at least one air chamber.

[0047] 9. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-8, wherein: an engagement surface of the second pad portion provides an at least one second cutout sized for approximating the dimensions of the at least one air chamber for receiving at least a portion of the at least one air chamber therewithin; and the engagement surface of the first pad portion is configured for being positioned in contact with the engagement surface of the second pad portion such that the at least one first cutout and second cutout are substantially aligned so as to form an at least one cavity between the first and second pad portions.

[0048] 10. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-9, wherein the at least one air chamber is selectively positioned within the at least one cavity.

[0049] 11. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-10, wherein the at least one air chamber is defined by the at least one cavity. [0050] 12. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-11, wherein an inner surface of the second cutout is configured for approximating a contour of the second surface of the at least one air chamber. [0051] 13. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-12, wherein the at least one air chamber is an at least one air bladder.

[0052] 14. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-13, wherein the cover is made of a relatively flexible material.

[0053] 15. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-14, wherein the cover provides an at least one opening sized for allowing the at least one pad assembly to be selectively removed from and inserted within the cover. [0054] 16. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-15, wherein the opening is configured for being selectively closable.

[0055] 17. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-16, wherein the cover provides an at least one handle positioned on an outer surface of the cover.

[0056] 18. The combat sport training pad apparatus according to embodiments 1-17, wherein the cover provides an at least one elongate strap configured for allowing the cover to be selectively engaged about a body part of the user. [0057] 19. A combat sport training pad apparatus comprising: an at least one pad assembly providing: an at least one air chamber configured for storing a volume of air; and a first pad portion and a corresponding second pad portion configured for sandwiching the at least one air chamber therebetween, the second pad portion being relatively denser than the first pad portion; and a cover sized and configured for substantially enclosing the at least one pad assembly therewithin.

[0058] 20. A combat sport training pad apparatus comprising: an at least one pad assembly providing: an at least one air chamber configured for storing a volume of air; a first pad portion having dimensions relatively larger than the dimensions of the at least one air chamber, the first pad portion being constructed of an open cell foam material; and a second pad portion having similar dimensions to that of the first pad portion such that the first and second pad portions are configured for sandwiching the at least one air chamber therebetween, the second pad portion being constructed of a closed cell foam material; and a cover sized and configured for substantially enclosing the at least one pad assembly therewithin.

[0059] In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that a combat sport training pad apparatus is disclosed and configured for providing a relatively lightweight yet effective padding for absorbing impacts. 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 combat sport training pad 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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. 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. [0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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." [0066] 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.

[0067] 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.