Patent Application
20180153294
The present invention relates, in some embodiments thereof, to an electronic hairbrush configured to stylize and/or apply treatment onto hair. The hairbrush comprises, a fluid encasement for accommodating a hair treatment fluid, and a hair straightening element configured to straighten hair, the hair straightening element comprises a plurality of holes through which the hair treatment fluid may be dispersed or applied onto hair.
Hot hairbrush straightening tools have become well known and widely used in recent years. Although many of those tools are effective in straightening hair, long continuous use of hair straighteners may be associated with some serious drawbacks. One of the most common drawback associated with hair straightening is excessive hair dryness. Hair loses its natural moisture to a substantial extent and begins to appear frizzy. In addition, the hair tips eventually become fragile and will tend to break, resulting in a rather sparse hair.
There is therefore a need for hair straighteners which overcome such common drawbacks, and which are healthier to hair. It is an object of the present invention to achieve this unmet need.
Objects of the invention are achieved by providing a hair straightener which will accomplish a rather straight hair having a vital, and/or, smooth, and/or shiny appearance.
Objects of the invention are achieved by providing a hair straightener which while straightening hair spreads hair treatment, resulting in a vital and stylized hair.
Objects of the invention are achieved by providing a hair straightener which affords hair straightening and protects hair from damages associated with excess exposure of hair to heat.
Thus, the present invention provides an electronic hairbrush straightener that affords straightening and brushing hair while treating same, thereby avoiding the common drawbacks associated with typical hair straighteners.
An aspect of the invention pertains to a hairbrush for treating hair, the hairbrush comprising, a fluid encasement for accommodating a hair treatment fluid, and a hair straightening element configured to straighten hair, wherein the hair straightening element comprises a plurality of holes through which the hair treatment fluid may be dispersed or applied onto hair.
In one or more embodiments, the hair straightening element is operable to straighten hair via heat transfer conduction. In one or more embodiments, the hair straightening element comprises a heating plate configured to conduct and/or direct heat towards a plurality of hairbrush bristles emerging outwardly thereof.
In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a hairbrush for treating hair, the hairbrush comprising a handle configured to facilitate operation and control of the hairbrush by a user; and a hairbrush head extending from the handle, wherein the hairbrush head comprises a fluid encasement for accommodating a hair treatment fluid, and a heating plate facing a hair treatment area, the heating plate configured to conduct heat towards a plurality of hairbrush bristles emerging outwardly thereof, the heating plate further comprising a plurality of holes positioned alongside or about a portion of the heating plate; wherein the fluid is flowable, and dispersible from the fluid encasement onto the hair, via the plurality of holes, upon operation of the handle.
In a further aspect, the fluid encasement is in the handle. In a further aspect, the fluid is dispersible from the fluid encasement in the handle onto the hair, via the plurality of holes, upon operation of the handle.
In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a hairbrush comprising an encasement for accommodating a hair treatment fluid, and a heating plate facing a hair treatment area, the heating plate configured to conduct heat towards a plurality of hairbrush bristles emerging outwardly thereof, the heating plate further comprising a plurality of holes positioned alongside or about a portion of the heating plate; wherein the fluid is flowable, and dispersible onto the hair, via the plurality of holes.
In one or more embodiments, the holes are arranged in at least one axial row. In one or more embodiments, the holes are arranged in at least longitudinal axis relative to the hairbrush. In one or more embodiments, the holes are arranged in at least one transversal axis relative to the hairbrush. In one or more embodiments, the holes are arranged in at least one axial row alongside the heating plate. In one or more embodiments, the holes are arranged in at least one axial row alongside the bristles. In one or more embodiments, the holes and the bristles are arranged in axial rows, wherein the holes disposed alternately within the rows of bristles.
In one or more embodiments, the fluid encasement in the handle. In one or more embodiments, the fluid flow is from the handle.
In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush head having a substantial cylindrical shape and the fluid encasement is positioned within an interior space of the hairbrush head, wherein the holes positioned at least about a portion of an outer circumference or in the middle of the heating plate.
In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush has the form of a one-sided hairbrush comprising a hairbrush head comprising a frontal hair treatment side comprising the heating plate and a backward side.
In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush head further comprises a base connected to, or continuously extending from, the handle.
In one or more embodiments, the base defines the backward side and is mounted to the heating plate in the frontal side of the hairbrush head.
In one or more embodiments, the base extends from the handle and further mounted to the heating plate and to the fluid encasement, such that the heating plate being positioned at the frontal side, and the fluid encasement being positioned at the backward side.
In one or more embodiments, the bristles arranged in a plurality of rows, each comprising a plurality of the bristles.
In one or more embodiments, the holes arranged as an axial row. In one or more embodiments, the rows arranged as at least one longitudinal row. In one or more embodiments, the rows arranged as at least one transverse row.
In one or more embodiments, the heating plate has an essentially rectangular shape comprising four edges, and wherein the holes arranged as an axial row along opposing edges thereof.
In one or more embodiments, the holes arranged along the four edges of the heating plate.
In one or more embodiments, the base comprises at least one row of peripheral non-heat conductive bristles facing the frontal side.
In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush comprising at least about 20 holes. In one or more embodiments, the holes have a diameter of at least about 0.5 mm. In one or more embodiments, the distance between each two holes is at least about 1 mm.
In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush further comprising an oil vent lever connected to the fluid encasement and operable to close or open the encasement, thereby facilitating fluid fill thereof.
In one or more embodiments, the hair treatment fluid is selected from a medicament, a hair coloring, and a hair treatment composition.
In one or more embodiments, the hair treatment composition is an argan oil.
In one or more embodiments, the handle includes a fluid dispersion button operable to allow fluid flow from the encasement and dispersion thereof onto the hair, via the plurality of holes.
In one or more embodiments, the handle comprises a heat control unit operable to control the heating temperature of the heating plate. In one or more embodiments, the heat is about 150° C. to about 250° C.
In one or more embodiments, the handle comprises a swiveling power cord. In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush further comprising an automatic off switch module for safety purposes.
In one or more embodiments, the fluid is dispersed onto hair in the form of steam or vapor or tiny drops.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical or/and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods or/and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding elements.
It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular methodology, devices, items or products etc., described herein, as these may vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The following exemplary embodiments may be described for ease of description and understanding. However, the invention is not limited to the specifically described products and methods, and may be adapted to various applications without departing from the overall scope of the invention. All ranges disclosed herein include the endpoints. The use of the term “or” shall be construed to mean “and/or” unless the specific context indicates otherwise.
The present invention provides a hairbrush, capable of straightening hair and apply treatment onto hair. Some embodiments of the invention pertain to a hairbrush, capable of straightening hair and, while doing so, applying treatment onto hair. Application of the herein disclosed hairbrush provides improved results in terms of hair styling and/or hair appearance and/or hair vitality.
An aspect of the invention pertains to a hairbrush for treating hair, the hairbrush comprising, a fluid encasement for accommodating a hair treatment fluid, and hair straightening element configured to straighten hair, wherein the hair straightening element comprises a plurality of holes through which the hair treatment fluid may be dispersed or applied onto hair.
In one or more embodiments, the hair straightening element is operable to straighten hair via heat transfer conduction. In one or more embodiments, the hair straightening element comprises a heating plate configured to lead heat towards a plurality of hairbrush bristles emerging outwardly thereof.
The hairbrush of the invention advantageously comprises holes positioned at a position within a heating plate through which hair treatment may be applied. In one or more embodiments, the holes are positioned alongside a heating plate. Advantageously, the herein disclosed design of hairbrush affords even spread of the hair treatment within hair. Also, advantageously, the herein disclosed hairbrush affords such hair treatment dispersion affording maximal exposure of hair to treatment and consequently a maximal effect of the treatment. Optionally, the hair treatment is applied onto hair when the hair straightening element or heating plate is powered. The hair treatment can be then provided on a hot hair, achieving a steaming effect of the hair treatment and affording significant infusion of the hair treatment into hair.
Thus, in one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a hair straightener which will accomplish a rather straight hair having a vital, and/or, smooth, and/or shiny appearance.
In yet one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a hair straightener which while straightening hair spreads hair treatment, resulting in a vital and stylized hair.
In yet one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a hair straightener which affords hair straightening and protects hair from damages associated with excess exposure of hair to heat.
In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush of the invention may be utilized on dry, or damp hair.
As used herein the term “hairbrush” encompasses various hairbrush types and includes, for example, cylindrical shape hairbrushes, one-sided hairbrushes, and/or hairbrushes without a handle that comprise merely a hairbrush head. The term “hairbrush” is interchangeable with the term “hair straightener”. Further encompassed, according to some embodiments, are hair straighteners without any bristles that comprise heating plate(s) and holes disposed within the heating plate. Exemplary such hair straighteners include hair straighteners comprising opposing jaws mounted to heating plates and connected via a pivotal hinge or hair straighteners comprising conical heating plate.
As used herein the term “treating hair” includes applying hair treatment onto hair, and/or stylizing hair (i.e., straightening hair). In one or more embodiments, treating hair includes scalp treatment, as further defined hereinbelow.
As used herein the term “fluid encasement” relates to an encasement (a.k.a., a reservoir) that is capable of accommodating fluid. The fluid encasement may accommodate various fluid volumes, depending on the size of the hairbrush or the encasement volume. For example, the fluid encasement may accommodate a fluid volume of about 1 ml and up to about 150 ml. For example, about 1 ml to about 100 ml, about 1 ml to about 80 ml, about 3 ml to about 80 ml, or about 5 ml to about 50 ml. In certain embodiments, the encasement holds 30 ml. The fluid encasement may be located in various positions within the hairbrush. For example, the fluid encasement can be positioned within a lumen located internally of the hairbrush. In one or more embodiments, a portion of the fluid encasement may face an internal space of the hairbrush and a further portion may face an external space of the hairbrush. In one or more embodiments, in cases where the hairbrush head has a cylindrical shape, the fluid encasement may be positioned in an interior space of the cylindrical head. In one or more embodiments, the fluid encasement may be positioned within the handle of the hairbrush. In an embodiment of the invention, the encasement may extend from the handle to the hairbrush head or vice versa. In cases of hair straighteners comprising opposing jaws, the fluid encasement may be disposed within the one or two jaws.
The fluid encasement may accommodate various types of hair treatment fluids. The fluid may be a fluid of choice. Namely, the user my select the required fluid for applying onto hair. In one or more embodiments, the fluid is liquid at room temperature or at ambient temperature. Non-limiting examples of fluids include, a medicament, a hair coloring, and a hair treatment composition. In one or more embodiments, the hair treatment composition includes a conditioning, a strengthening, a repairing and/or a revitalizing fluid. In an embodiment of the invention, the hair conditioning is an oil (e.g., an essential oil). Non-limiting examples of suitable oils include an argan oil, an olive oil, and a castor oil. In an exemplary embodiment, the oil is an argan oil. In an embodiment of the invention, the medicament may be for the scalp, for example, to treat a scalp related dermatological condition or disease. In an embodiment of the invention, a combination of fluids that may have an additive effect, or a synergistic effect on hair, or on scalp may be used. For example, argan oil may be combined with silicon etc. In one or more embodiments, the hair treatment fluid may be applied onto hair in the form of steam or gas or vapors. In one or more embodiments, the hair treatment fluid may be applied onto hair in the form of tiny droplets. In one or more embodiments, the hair treatment fluid may be applied onto hair in the form of vapors or steam. In one or more embodiments, oil(s) is mixed in water and water vapors when treatment is applied onto hair. In one or more embodiments, the oil or other fluids are mixed with water and placed within the encasement as such. In one or more embodiments, a combination of at least about 50% water and no more than about 50% oil or other fluid is prepared and included in the encasement. In an exemplary embodiment, a combination of at least about 60% water and no more than 40% oil, or combination of at least about 70% water and no more than 30% oil, or a combination of at least about 80% water and no more than 2% oil, or at least about 90% water and no more than 10% oil, or at least about 95% water and no more than 5% oil, is prepared and included in the encasement.
In one or more embodiments, the fluid encasement comprises an oil vent lever usable to fill the encasement with fluid, whenever needed. The oil vent lever may present various forms. For example, a tab, or pin that can be pulled by a user is applicable and contemplated. Nevertheless, further alternatives are also applicable. In one or more embodiments, the oil vent lever may present the form of a switch button that can be opened upon pressing thereof.
As used herein the term “heating plate” encompasses a plate or board capable of conducting heat. The term heating plate is interchangeable with the term “heater”. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate is facing the frontal side of the hairbrush. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate faces the hair treatment area. As used herein the term “hair treatment area” refers to the area at which hair is being treated by one or more of: combing hair, straightening and/or treating hair with the hair treatment fluid. The plate faces the hair treatment area and bristles for affecting hair combing or brushing are emerged therefrom the heating plate. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate is configured to transfer heat towards bristles emerging therefrom. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate has an essentially flat, optionally an essentially rectangular, square, conical or rounded shape. In one or more embodiments, the plate has a cylindrical shape. In one or more embodiments, the shape of the plate depends on the shape of the brush or the application of the brush. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate is manufactured from any heat conductive material. Non-limiting examples, include heat conductive material, such as metal (e.g. aluminum and titanium), and ceramic. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate is manufactured from a metal (e.g., aluminum and titanium) coated with one or more layers of ceramic material. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate includes or does not include tourmaline material (e.g., tourmaline bits). The hairbrush of the invention also encompasses and affords ionized heat. This feature further affords hair protection and prevents damage to follicles which may occur when using non-ionized heat. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate emits infrared heat (e.g., using tourmaline). A tourmaline is a crystalline boron silicate mineral compounded with elements such as aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. When the hairbrush contains internal components infused with tourmaline, ion-emitting and infrared-generating properties are provided. The tourmaline naturally emits a constant stream of negative ions and infrared heat, which are distributed to the hair shaft. The negative ions break down water molecules at a faster pace resulting in the hair being exposed to heat for a shorter period. The negative ions also close the cuticle of the hair, resulting in smoother, and shinier hair.
As used herein the term “holes” is interchangeable with the terms “slits” or “openings”.
In one or more embodiments, the holes are positioned within the heating plate as an axial row comprising a plurality of holes. The rows may be along a longitudinal axis of the hairbrush. The rows may be along a transverse axis of the hairbrush. In one or more embodiments, the holes are at a position within the heating plate. In one or more embodiments, the holes are positioned alongside the heating plate. In one or more embodiments, the term “alongside” takes the meaning that the holes are located at the circumference of the heating plate. For example, the holes are positioned at the circumference, along at least one edge or a portion of an edge of the heating plate. In an exemplary embodiment, when the heating plate includes an essentially rectangular or square shape, the holes may be positioned along at least one edge. For example, along opposing edges, or along three or all edges. In an exemplary embodiment, when the heating plate includes an essentially rounded shape, the holes may be positioned along a circumference, or along portion thereof.
In one or more embodiments, the holes are positioned about a portion of the heating plate. In one or more embodiments, the term “about a portion of the heating plate” takes the meaning that the holes are located at any part of the heating plate. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the holes are positioned at a central location along or within the heating plate.
In one or more embodiments, in cases where the hairbrush includes a cylindrical head, the fluid encasement may be positioned within a lumen of the hairbrush hair, and the holes positioned at least about a portion of a circumference of the heating plate, or in the middle presenting at least one axial row. In one or more embodiments, the holes are positioned along the heating plate and further along a position other than the heating plate. For example, holes may be included also along the base of the hairbrush.
In one or more embodiment, the herein disclosed hairbrush comprises a total sum of at least 6 holes. For example, hairbrush includes a total sum of at least 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 holes. In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush includes at least one row of holes, the row comprising a plurality of holes. For example, at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 holes are present in a single raw.
In one or more embodiments, the diameter of each hole may vary according to the particular hairbrush purpose, shape and dimensions. In one or more embodiments, the diameter of all the holes within the hairbrush is same. In one or more embodiments, the diameter of the holes may vary. In one or more embodiments, each hole has a diameter of at least about 0.5 mm. For example, at least about 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 mm. In one or more embodiments, the diameter of each hole is between about 0.3 mm and about 2.5 mm. For example, between about 0.5 mm and about 2.0 mm, between about 0.7 mm and about 2 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 1.5 mm, or between about 0.7 mm and about 1.5 mm. In one or more embodiments, the distance between each two adjacent holes is at least about 0.5 mm. For example, at least about 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm. In one or more embodiments, the distance between each two adjacent holes is between about 0.5 mm and about 10 mm. For example, between about 1 mm and about 8 mm, between about 1 mm and about 6 mm, between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, or between about 2 mm and about 6 mm.
In one or more embodiments, the holes may present various shapes, such as rounded, square a longitudinal slit, an amorphic form etc.
In one or more embodiments, a fluid communication exists between the holes and the fluid encasement. In one or more embodiments, the term “fluid communication” refers to the fluid that can flow from the encasement and spread into hair via holes positioned in the frontal side of the hairbrush. In one or more embodiments, the fluid flow occurs upon a user operation of a fluid dispersion button located within the hairbrush.
In one or more embodiments, the holes include a valve that opens upon pressing the fluid dispersion button.
In an embodiment of the invention, a fluid dispersion button disposed along a surface of the device affects a discharge of volume from the fluid encasement to disperse onto hair. A volume of discharged fluid is dispensed through the plurality of holes as a fluid spray or a fluid mist, or droplets, steam or vapor or gas. The hairbrush affords a user to apply and to distribute a fluid through their hair, while the user brushes and/or stylizes their hair with the herein disclosed hairbrush.
As used herein the term “heat conductive bristles” refers to hairbrush bristles emerging outwardly from the heating plate and configured to conduct heat derived from the heating plate. Unless stated otherwise the term “bristles” refers to heat conductive bristles. The bristles may be manufactured from any type of heat conductive material, such as metal (e.g. aluminum), and ceramic. The bristles may have any shape, e.g. elongated, flat, conical, and may have a cross section that is round, elliptic or flat etc. Bristles may have a cross section that varies in shape, and bristles of varying forms may be combined on a single hairbrush. In an embodiment of the invention, the bristles and the heating plate are manufactured from the same material. In an embodiment of the invention, the heating plate and the bristles are manufactured from different heat conductive materials. In an embodiment of the invention, the bristles and the heating plate are manufactured from same material and present a single piece of element. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate comprises a plurality of bristles. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate comprises a plurality of longitudinal and/or transverse (respective to the hairbrush) axial rows of bristles. In one or more embodiments, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, or at least 6 rows along a longitudinal axis of the hairbrush of bristles are included in the heating plate. In one or more embodiments, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10 rows along a transverse axis of the hairbrush of bristles are included in the heating plate. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate comprises a plurality of bristles arranged sporadically.
In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed hairbrush further comprises non-heat conductive bristles which may be disposed, for example about a circumference and beyond the heat-conductive bristles.
In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush further comprises one or more holes located along or within the heat conductive bristles. In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush does not include any holes within the bristles themselves. In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush does not include any holes between adjacent heat conductive bristles. For example, the hairbrush does not include any holes between two or more adjacent heat conductive bristles. In one or more embodiments, holes are positioned around the location of the heat conductive bristles. The holes may surround the heat conductive bristles. In one or more embodiments, the heating plate includes at least one longitudinal and/or transversal rows of holes positioned alternately within longitudinal and/or transversal rows of the heat conductive bristles. For example, the heating plate includes at least one (for example, at least two or three) rows of heat conductive bristles followed by at least one row of holes which are further followed by at least one (for example, at least two or three) row of heat conductive bristles. This configuration affords, when utilizing the hairbrush on hair from top to ends, that a surface of the hair will be firstly straightened (for example by at least one, two or more rows of bristles), and then subjected to the hair treatment, and thereafter straightened again (for example by at least one, two or more rows of bristles).
In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed hairbrush includes a heat control unit that is operable to control the heating temperature of the heating plate and/or heat conductive bristles. Various heat ranges are applicable. For example, the heat may be adjusted by the user and can vary between about 100° C. to about 270° C. For example, between about 150° C. to about 250° C., about 150° C. to about 230° C., or about 160° C. to about 220° C.
In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush is configured to accommodate about 110V to about 220V, for application worldwide. In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush is configured to automatically switch between voltages or adjust voltage according the location at which the hairbrush is being used. In one or more embodiments, the hairbrush includes an on/off module applicable for automatic shutdown to increase the safety of the hairbrush.
The hairbrush of the invention may comprise a handle connected to the hairbrush head. The handle is configured to operate the hairbrush to facilitate one or more of: operating the heating module, operating the fluid steam, and adjusting the heat level. The handle may be manufactured from various materials, including, without limitation, silicon. In one or more embodiments, the handle may comprise a swiveling power cord allowing convenient use in any position or direction.
Referring now to the drawings,
Referring now to
Each of the following terms: ‘includes’, ‘including’, ‘has’, ‘having’, ‘comprises’, and ‘comprising’, and, their linguistic/grammatical variants, derivatives, or/and conjugates, as used herein, means ‘including, but not limited to’, and is to be taken as specifying the stated component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does not preclude addition of one or more additional component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof. Each of these terms is considered equivalent in meaning to the phrase ‘consisting essentially of’.
Each of the phrases ‘consisting of’ and ‘consists of’, as used herein, means ‘including and limited to’.
Throughout this disclosure, a numerical value of a parameter, feature, characteristic, object, or dimension, may be stated or described in terms of a numerical range format. Such a numerical range format, as used herein, illustrates implementation of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, and does not inflexibly limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, a stated or described numerical range also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges and individual numerical values (where a numerical value may be expressed as a whole, integral, or fractional number) within that stated or described numerical range. For example, a stated or described numerical range ‘from 1 to 6’ also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges, such as ‘from 1 to 3’, ‘from 1 to 4’, ‘from 1 to 5’, ‘from 2 to 4’, ‘from 2 to 6’, ‘from 3 to 6’, etc., and individual numerical values, such as ‘1’, ‘1.3’, ‘2’, ‘2.8’, ‘3’, ‘3.5’, ‘4’, ‘4.6’, ‘5’, ‘5.2’, and ‘6’, within the stated or described numerical range of ‘from 1 to 6’. This applies regardless of the numerical breadth, extent, or size, of the stated or described numerical range.
Moreover, for stating or describing a numerical range, the phrase ‘in a range of between about a first numerical value and about a second numerical value’, is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as, the phrase ‘in a range of from about a first numerical value to about a second numerical value’, and, thus, the two equivalently meaning phrases may be used interchangeably. For example, for stating or describing the numerical range of room temperature, the phrase ‘room temperature refers to a temperature in a range of between about 20° C. and about 25° C.’, and is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as, the phrase ‘room temperature refers to a temperature in a range of from about 20° C. to about 25° C.’.
The term ‘about’, is some embodiments, refers to ±30% of the stated numerical value. In further embodiments, the term refers to ±20% of the stated numerical value. In yet further embodiments, the term refers to ±10% of the stated numerical value.
It is to be fully understood that certain aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention, which are, for clarity, illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments, may also be illustratively described and presented in any suitable combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment. Conversely, various aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention which are illustratively described and presented in combination or sub combination in the context or format of a single embodiment, may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62403285 | Oct 2016 | US |
