MECHANISM

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of toys that includes an ejectable mechanism and various options such as light, a resilient material coating, or other mechanisms for release.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with model toys.

One such toy is taught in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,308,461 and 8,500,508, issued to Yamada, et al., entitled“Transformable toy”, teach a toy with an exterior structure that is constructed to transform from a Tollable first shape to a second shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure is endowed with a magnetic body that moves by way of a magnetic force that acts from the exterior of the toy, an interior locking portion that moves simultaneously with the movement of this magnetic body, and a biasing member that effects a force which moves or turns this interior locking portion in a particular direction. According to this invention, if the magnetic force does not act from the exterior of the toy, the first shape of the exterior structure maintained. In the event that a magnetic force has acted from the exterior of the said toy, the exterior structure transforms from the first shape to the second shape.

Another such toy is taught in U.S. Patent No. 7,166,047, issued to May, et al., entitled,“Toy ball”, which teaches a toy ball that is formed from two shells and a pair of lock mechanisms. During construction, the shells, which may be hemispherical, are mated together and then the lock mechanisms are secured to the shells to form a substantially smooth-surfaced sphere, wherein the lock mechanisms provide a redundant locking feature to hold the two shells together to form the toy ball.

Finally, U.S. Patent No. 5,409,414, issued to Sheang, and entitled“Toy sphere” teaches a toy sphere that includes an annular member provided with a circular groove at both sides, a plurality of internal gear teeth at an inner surface, and two opposite eccentric pins at an outer surface, a power seat threadedly engaged with the internal gear teeth of the annular member and having a motor electrically connected with batteries, an upper hemispherical housing having internal threads, a lower hemispherical housing having external threads engageable with the internal threads of the upper hemispherical and having two aligned holes engaged with the two opposite eccentric pins of the annular member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a sphere-shaped toy; with a retractable mechanism, that upon pressing the upper button ejects a cylindrical figure capable of transforming its original compact shape into a new entity, without the need to manipulate or add new parts to which corresponds a toy with characteristics described hereafter pursuant to the drawings that form an integral part of this submission.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a toy with an extendable mechanism capable of transforming its original compact shape into a new entity without need to manipulate its parts or add new parts comprising: a hollow sphere formed from two hemispheres, provided with a circular opening on the lower part thereof and a vertical cut along a lateral diameter, which divides the hollow sphere in two symmetrical hemispheres; a body connected to a central mechanism that is connected to the hollow sphere, wherein the central mechanism actuates to separate the two hemispheres and the body is able to be released from within the hollow sphere, wherein the body-shaped part is provided with one or more features selected from: a neck, a central torso, one or more lateral arms with their respective hands, or one or more lower legs with their respective feet, in such a way, that when the sphere receives a strike or is exposed to a magnet or ferrous material, the central mechanism openings the sphere at a hinge and upon being ejected, the caps close automatically; and at least one of a light is disposed within the hollow sphere, a magnetic/ferrous material is incorporated on or about the hollow sphere, a resilient surface is coated onto the sphere, or an attachment handle, loop or ring is part of the hollow sphere or the body. In one aspect, when the body is out of the sphere, it is constituted in the head of the body, and wherein the body can be separates from the hollow sphere such that the hollow sphere or the body can the replaced. In another aspect, the body is constituted by one single part, which provides it with a higher rigidity and resistance. In another aspect, the hands of the body comprise a slot or opening, that allows the inclusion or attachment of other structural elements to the toy. In another aspect, the feet of the body show a flat base that provide it with a higher stability and a central sunken area, which allows it to be stacked to other elements. In another aspect, the shape of the body and/or the sphere can display several aspects depending on the targeted segment, ranging from the body type, whether it is animal or human, the latter with male, female or asexual gender, or with the appearance of a baby, a child or an adult. In another aspect, the sphere can allow for different variations depending on the targeted segment, ranging from an oval shape, different colors or textures, or different faces, depending on the adhesive adjoined to the frontal surface.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of making a toy with an extendable mechanism capable of transforming its original compact shape into a new entity without need to manipulate its parts or add new parts comprising: providing a hollow sphere formed from two hemispheres, provided with a circular opening on the lower part thereof and a vertical cut along a lateral diameter, which divides the hollow sphere in two symmetrical hemispheres; connecting a body to a central mechanism within and connected to the sphere, wherein the central mechanism actuates to separate the two hemispheres and the body is able to be released from within the hollow sphere, wherein the body-shaped part is provided with one or more features selected from: a neck, a central torso, one or more lateral arms with their respective hands, or one or more lower legs with their respective feet, in such a way, that when the sphere receives a strike or is exposed to a magnet or ferrous material, the central mechanism openings the sphere at a hinge and upon being ejected, the caps close automatically; and providing at least one of a light is disposed within the hollow sphere, a magnetic/ferrous material is incorporated on or about the hollow sphere, a resilient surface is coated onto the sphere, or an attachment handle, loop or ring is part of the hollow sphere or the body. In one aspect, the body is out of the sphere, it is constituted in the head of the body, and wherein the body can be separates from the hollow sphere such that the hollow sphere or the body can the replaced. In another aspect, the body is constituted by one single part, which provides it with a higher rigidity and resistance. In another aspect, the hands of the body comprise a slot or opening, that allows the inclusion or attachment of other structural elements to the toy. In another aspect, the feet of the body show a flat base that provide it with a higher stability and a central sunken area, which allows it to be stacked to other elements. In another aspect, the shape of the body or the sphere can display several aspects depending on the targeted segment, ranging from the body type, whether it is animal or human, the latter with male, female or asexual gender, or with the appearance of a baby, a child or an adult.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a toy with an extendable mechanism capable of transforming its original compact shape into a new entity without need to manipulate its parts or add new parts consisting essentially of: a hollow sphere formed from two hemispheres, provided with a circular opening on the lower part thereof and a vertical cut along a lateral diameter, which divides the hollow sphere in two symmetrical hemispheres; a body connected to a central mechanism that is connected to the hollow sphere, wherein the central mechanism actuates to separate the two hemispheres and the body is able to be released from within the hollow sphere, wherein the body-shaped part is provided with one or more features selected from: a neck, a central torso, one or more lateral arms with their respective hands, or one or more lower legs with their respective feet, wherein the central mechanism openings the sphere at a hinge and upon being ejected, the caps close automatically; and at least one of a light is disposed within the hollow sphere, a magnetic/ferrous material is incorporated on or about the hollow sphere, a resilient surface is coated onto the sphere, or an attachment handle, loop or ring is part of the hollow sphere or the body. In one aspect, the body is out of the sphere, it is constituted in the head of the body, and wherein the body can be separates from the hollow sphere such that the hollow sphere or the body can the replaced. In another aspect, the body is constituted by one single part, which provides it with a higher rigidity and resistance. In another aspect, the hands of the body comprise a slot or opening, which allows the inclusion or attachment of other structural elements to the toy. In another aspect, the feet of the body show a flat base that provide it with a higher stability and a central sunken area, which allows it to be stacked to other elements. In another aspect, the shape of the body or the sphere display several aspects depending on the targeted segment, ranging from the body type, whether it is animal or human, the latter with male, female or asexual gender, or with the appearance of a baby, a child or an adult. In another aspect, the sphere can allow for different variations depending on the targeted segment, ranging from an oval shape, different colors or textures, or different faces, depending on the adhesive adjoined to the frontal surface.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a toy with an extendable mechanism capable of transforming its original compact shape into a new entity without need to manipulate its parts or add new parts consisting of: a hollow sphere formed from two hemispheres, provided with a circular opening on the lower part thereof and a vertical cut along a lateral diameter, which divides the hollow sphere in two symmetrical hemispheres; a body connected to a central mechanism that is connected to the hollow sphere, wherein the central mechanism actuates to separate the two hemispheres and the body is able to be released from within the hollow sphere, wherein the body-shaped part is provided with one or more features selected from: a neck, a central torso, one or more lateral arms with their respective hands, or one or more lower legs with their respective feet, wherein the central mechanism openings the sphere at a hinge and upon being ejected, the caps close automatically; and at least one of a light is disposed within the hollow sphere, a magnetic/ferrous material is incorporated on or about the hollow sphere, a resilient surface is coated onto the sphere, or an attachment handle, loop or ring is part of the hollow sphere or the body. In one aspect, the body is out of the sphere, it is constituted in the head of the body, and wherein the body can be separates from the hollow sphere such that the hollow sphere or the body can the replaced. In another aspect, the body is constituted by one single part, which provides it with a higher rigidity and resistance. In another aspect, the hands of the body comprise a slot or opening, which allows the inclusion or attachment of other structural elements to the toy. In another aspect, the feet of the body show a flat base that provide it with a higher stability and a central sunken area, which allows it to be stacked to other elements. In another aspect, the shape of the body or the sphere display several aspects depending on the targeted segment, ranging from the body type, whether it is animal or human, the latter with male, female or asexual gender, or with the appearance of a baby, a child or an adult. In another aspect, the sphere can allow for different variations depending on the targeted segment, ranging from an oval shape, different colors or textures, or different faces, depending on the adhesive adjoined to the frontal surface.

A toy with an extendable mechanism capable of transforming its original compact shape into a new entity without need to manipulate its parts or add new parts comprising: a hollow sphere formed from two caps, provided with a circular opening on the lower part thereof and a vertical cut on the lateral diameter, which divides it in two symmetrical caps; an upper hinge at a top of the hollow sphere that connects two symmetrical caps; two protuberances generally centrally located in each of the caps connected to a central internal spring; a circular hinge located internally from the two protuberances, wherein one or both hinges are connected to a spring and the hinges articulate two cylindrical arms with oblique ascendant inclination, wherein each upper part of the cylindrical arms converge in two circular hinges that are each provided with a radial sequence of curved concave notches, in turn, these hinges are contained within a central casing; a body-shaped part connected to the central casing wherein the body-shaped part is provided with one or more features selected from: a neck, a central torso, one or more lateral arms with their respective hands, or one or more lower legs with their respective feet, in such a way, that when the sphere receives a strike, the spring of the frontal hinge activates the movement of the central casing, moving it downwards, and the cylindrical arms upon reaching medium height, push the caps of the sphere outwards to create an such an opening in the sphere, such that the body-shaped part projects out from the lower part of the sphere, and upon being ejected, the caps close automatically with a spring at the upper hinge; and one or more arms, hands, or legs that comprise a suction cup, openings, magnets or mechanism to adhere to at least temporarily adhere to a surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a cross-section view of a toy in a compact position of the prior art.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-section view of the toy in a semi-extended position of the prior art.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section view of the toy in an extended position of the prior art.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-section view of the toy in an extended position, showing the internal mechanism that moves the internal body of the prior art.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the toy prior to actuation (left), and after actuation

(right) in which light is shown to illuminate the body within the sphere.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the toy prior to actuation (left), and after actuation

(right) in which the body of the toy enters the two hemispheres and light is shown to illuminate about the sphere.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the toy prior to actuation (left) in which the sphere has a resilient coating (such as rubber or an elastomer) that compresses and releases such that the sphere bounces, during an intermediate step (center) and after actuation (right) in the body is released from within the sphere.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the toy prior to actuation (left) in which the body and the face are aligned in a forward direction, and after actuation (center and right) in which the body and the sphere rotate with respect to each other.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the toy in which a first body is connected to the sphere, then the body is removed and a second body (darker body) is obtained and attached to the sphere.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the toy in which the sphere is attracted to a magnet or a ferrous material.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the toy in a magnet or a ferrous material causes the body from within the sphere to be actuated and the body is released from within the sphere. Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the toy in which the sphere further comprises as part of at least one of the hemispheres that form the sphere has a ring that can be integral with the hemisphere to attach a key chain, a string, lanyard, or other object.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the toy in which the body has been ejected from the inside of the body and the leg is a suction cup.

Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the toy in a compact position of the present industrial design.

Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the toy in a deployed position, showing the internal mechanism that moves the inner body.

Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of the toy in a deployed position.

Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of the toy in a compact position.

Fig. 18 shows a front view of the toy in a compact position with a cross section showing the internal mechanism.

Fig. 19 shows a profile view of the toy in a deployed position with a cross section showing the internal mechanism.

Fig. 20 shows a profile view of the toy in a compact position with a cross section showing the internal mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as“a”,“an” and“the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not limit the invention, except as outlined in the claims. The present invention is a toy with an extendable mechanism, wherein the toy is capable of transforming its original compact shape into a new entity, without the need to manipulate its parts or add new parts.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the prior art is described in which a hollow sphere (1), provided with a circular opening in the lower part thereof (2) and a vertical cut (3) along a lateral diameter of the sphere (1), which divides the sphere (1) into two symmetrical caps of the sphere (1), and the spheres interior includes an upper hinge (4), composed of two protuberances attached to both caps and an internal central spring (not depicted), and from the front and rear parts two hollow convex protuberances (5) are projected, each with a circular swivel (6) inside, of which, the frontal swivel is surrounded by a spring, additionally, both swivels articulate two cylindrical arms (7) with an oblique ascendant inclination, the upper parts of the cylindrical arms (7) converging in two circular swivels (8)(e.g., see FIG. 4), provided with a radial sequence of curved concave notches, in turn, these circular swivels (8) are contained within a central casing

(9) having a rectangular profile and round edges, and from the lower part thereof a body-shaped part (10) is projected, in this example provided with a neck, a central torso, two lateral arms with their respective hands and two lower legs with their respective feet, in such a way that, when the sphere (1) receives a strike, the spring of the frontal swivel (6) activates the movement of the central casing (9), moving it downwards, and the cylindrical arms (7) upon reaching medium height, push the caps of the sphere (1) outwards, creating an opening such that the body-shaped part (10) may be projected from the lower part of the sphere (1), and as soon as the body-shaped part (10) is out, the caps of the sphere (1) close automatically with the spring of the hinge (4), in such a way, that as soon as the body is out, the sphere (1) is constituted at the head of the body shaped part (10), and together they constitute an entity different from the initial one.

In addition, the body-shaped part (10) displays a series of supplementary characteristics that confer a high number of supplementary features thereto, among which, emphasis is made on the feature of being formed by one single part, which provides it with a higher rigidity and resistance. The hands present a slot (11) that allows the inclusion of other elements, and the feet, in addition to presenting a flat base that grants it higher stability, show a central hexagonal sunken area (12), which allows stacking it to other elements. The shape of the body-shaped part

(10) can also allow for variations depending on the targeted segment, ranging from the body type, whether it is animal or human, the latter with male, female, or asexual gender, or with the appearance of a baby, child or adult. The sphere (1) can also allow for different variations, ranging from an oval shape, different colors or textures, or different faces, depending on the adhesive adjoined to the front surface.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-section view of a toy of the prior art in a semi-extended position in which the body-shaped part (10) is completely outside of the hollow-sphere (1) the caps have closed back into the spherical shape. Fig. 3 shows a cross-section view of a toy of the prior art in an extended position, in which the body-shaped part (10) is part of the way out of the hollow- sphere (1) and in which the body-shaped part (10) has passed across the location of the hinges have reached past the frontal swivel (6) such that the body-shaped part (10) will continue to extend. Fig. 4 shows a cross-section view of a toy of the prior art in an extended position, showing the internal mechanism that moves the body-shaped part (10), and in which the body shaped part (10) is completely outside the hollow sphere (1) and the caps have closed. This figure also shows the additional detail for the mechanism of the circular swivels (8) inside the central casing (9).

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the toy 20 of the present invention prior to actuation (left), and after actuation (right) in which light 24 is shown to illuminate a body 22 within the sphere 26. In this light within the sphere version of the toy 20, the sphere 26 is hollow and the body 22 is shown outside the sphere 26. When the two hemispheres are separated, a light within the sphere 26 is activated and the light is provided either when the body 22 is entering the sphere 26 or when the body 22 is exiting the sphere 26.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the toy 20 prior to actuation (left), and after actuation (right) in which the body 22 of the toy 20 is shown outside (left) and inside the sphere (right), wherein light is generated when the two hemispheres of the sphere 26 illuminates about the sphere 26, including outside the sphere 26. The light can also be actuated upon impact of the toy 20 on a surface. The light may be permanently on, intermittent, or set on a timer to increase battery life.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the toy 20 prior to actuation (left) in which the sphere has a resilient coating 28 (such as rubber or an elastomer) that compresses and releases such that the sphere bounces, during an intermediate step (center) and after actuation (right) in the body is released from within the sphere 26.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the toy 20 prior to actuation (left) in which the body 22 and the face 30 are aligned or face in a forward direction (left), upon rotation or actuation of the sphere 26 the body 22 rotates partially (middle) and after additional rotation or actuation (right) the body 22 and the sphere 26 rotate with respect to each other and the face 30 is perpendicular to the body 22.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the toy 20 in which a first body 22a is connected to the sphere 26. Next, the body 22a is removed or displaced from the sphere 26. In the next phase, a second body 22b (which is depicted as having a darker shading) is provided and attached to the sphere 26. In this manner different bodies can be attached to the same sphere and vice versa, that is, different spheres or characters can be attached to the same body. In this example, the sphere or head is attached to the body at a neck, however, the present invention includes other attachments points such as the chest, waist, or even arms and legs that may be replaceable.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the toy in which the sphere 26 is attracted to a magnet 32 (or a ferrous material is the sphere or body is magnetized), such that the magnet or ferrous material attracts the toy 20. In certain embodiments the sphere is hollow and may have a ferrous or magnetic materials imprinted, attached, or embedded in the material that forms the sphere 16 such that the magnet (or ferrous material) attracts the toy 20 with or without touching the toy 20.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the toy 20 in which a magnet 32 (or a ferrous material) causes the body 22 from within the sphere 26 to be actuated and the body 22 is released from within the sphere 26. Thus, the magnet or ferrous material releases a catch or other mechanism that triggers the separation of the hemispheres of the sphere 26, to cause the body 22 to spring from the sphere 26.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the toy 20 in which the sphere 26 further comprises as part of at least one of the hemispheres that form the sphere has a ring 34 that can be integral with one or the other hemisphere to attach a clip 36, key chain, a string, lanyard, or other object that can, e.g., used to identify the toy 20, have a method for carrying the toy or an item that is attached to the toy.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the toy 20 in which the body 22 has been ejected from the inside of the body 22 and the leg is a suction cup.

Pop Ball. Descriptive Toy Function. The present invention also includes a folding toy with a suction cup. This has a retractable mechanism capable of transforming its original compacted form into a new entity, without the need to manipulate its parts or add new parts, whose characteristics are described below according to the drawings that form integral part of this presentation. In this embodiment, the invention includes a hollow sphere (1), provided with a circular hole in the lower end (2) and a vertical section (3) in the lateral diameter, which divides it into two symmetrical caps, and its previous one has an upper hinge (4), formed by two protuberances attached to both caps and a central internal spring, and from the front and rear ends protrude two hollow prismatic protuberances (5), each with a circular ball joint (6) in its interior, of which, the frontal patella is surrounded by a spring, in addition both articulations articulate two cylindrical arms (7) of ascending oblique inclination, whose upper ends converge in two circular ball joints

(8), provided with a radial succession of concave curved notches, from whose lower ends it obtains a portion in the form of a cylindrical body (9) which in its lower part provides a suction cup (10), which is on the outside of the sphere (1) at all times; in such a way that when the sphere (1) receives a blow, the spring of the frontal patella (6) activates the movement of the central housing (11), moving downwards, and the cylindrical arms (7) when they reach the average height, push the caps outwards, determining an opening such that the cylindrical body

(9) can protrude from the lower end of the sphere, and once it has come out, the caps are automatically closed again by means of the spring of the hinge (4), in such a way that once the body is outside, the sphere (1) is constituted in the head of the body (9), and between both constitute an entity different from the initial one.

The suction cup (10) which is located in the lower part of the cylindrical body (9) is located on the outside of the sphere at all times, so that its connection (11) with this lower part of the cylindrical body (9) it has the adequate measurement to the lower orifice of the sphere (2) and not to intervene with the closing or opening of this. As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, a suction cup, openings, magnets, ferrous metal, hook-and-look, adhesive, gum, or other mechanism may be provided on one or more hands, arms, and/or legs that at least temporarily adhere the toy to a surface when the body is ejected from the sphere.

Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the toy in a compact position of the present invention that shows a body having a suction cup as the feet of the body that allows for temporary adherence to a surface. Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the toy in a deployed position, showing the internal mechanism that moves the inner body. Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of the toy in a deployed position. Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of the toy in a compact position. Fig. 18 shows a front view of the toy in a compact position with a cross section showing the internal mechanism. Fig. 19 shows a profile view of the toy in a deployed position with a cross section showing the internal mechanism. Fig. 20 shows a profile view of the toy in a compact position with a cross section showing the internal mechanism. It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The use of the word“a” or“an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean“one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,”“at least one,” and“one or more than one.” The use of the term“or” in the claims is used to mean“and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and“and/or.” Throughout this application, the term“about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words“comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as“comprise” and“comprises”),“having” (and any form of having, such as“have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as“contains” and“contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In embodiments of any of the compositions and methods provided herein,“comprising” may be replaced with “consisting essentially of’ or“consisting of’. As used herein, the phrase“consisting essentially of’ requires the specified integer(s) or steps as well as those that do not materially affect the character or function of the claimed invention. As used herein, the term“consisting” is used to indicate the presence of the recited integer (e.g., a feature, an element, a characteristic, a property, a method/process step or a limitation) or group of integers (e.g., feature(s), element(s), characteristic(s), property (ies), method/process steps or limitation(s)) only.

The term“or combinations thereof’ as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example,“A, B, C, or combinations thereof’ is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

As used herein, words of approximation such as, without limitation,“about”, "substantial" or "substantially" refers to a condition that when so modified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect but would be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the art to warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a change can be instituted and still have one of ordinary skill in the art recognize the modified feature as still having the required characteristics and capabilities of the unmodified feature. In general, but subject to the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of approximation such as“about” may vary from the stated value by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

To aid the Patent Office, and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112, U.S.C. § 112 paragraph (f), or equivalent, as it exists on the date of filing hereof unless the words“means for” or“step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim. For each of the claims, each dependent claim can depend both from the independent claim and from each of the prior dependent claims for each and every claim so long as the prior claim provides a proper antecedent basis for a claim term or element.