WALL SUSPENDED TENT

Description

This application claims the priority of provisional applications 63/747,303 and 63/731,319 filed on 2025 Jan. 20 and 2024 Apr. 22, respectively.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a wall suspended tent. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an indoor tent which is designed to hung from a wall or from a corner between two walls.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a wall suspended tent. The wall suspended tent is designed to be hung on a wall or at a corner; thus the tent is suspended against wall/s, and provides an indoor enclosure usable for privacy, relaxation, or play. While indoor tents are known in the art, to date they have been designed as free-standing, or ceiling-suspended, structures. When assembled, those tents have a rigid structure and may hold several adults or children. However, being free-standing, existing indoor tents take too much valuable floor space. The structures get in the way, and being so problematic, it limits their use by many consumers who have average or small rooms. As many adults or children have a need for a private indoor enclosure, whether to help manage a mental disorder or simply to relax and play, there is a need in the field for a wall suspended tent which could fit in most rooms without causing an obstruction.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, various embodiments of the presently disclosed wall suspended are discussed herein. In some embodiments, the wall suspended tent comprises: at least one hanger loop; wherein each of the at least one hanger loop is designed to be releasably attached to a hanger affixed to the wall or the corner between two walls; and, thus suspend the wall suspended tent from the hanger; a horizontal support structure; wherein the horizontal support structure is positioned substantially horizontally relative to the wall/s; wherein the shape of the said horizontal support structure defines a shape of a space defined by the wall suspended tent; and, a cover attached at one end to the at least one hanger loop and at an opposite end to the horizontal support structure.

In some embodiments, the wall suspended tent further comprises a at least one side panel; wherein the at least side panel is attached to cover and/or the horizontal support structure.

In some embodiments, the wall suspended tent further comprises a support structure designed to support the cover in a pre-determined distally-extended position against the wall/s.

In some embodiments, the support structure is attached to the cover and/or the horizontal support structure.

In some embodiments, each end of the horizontal support structure is releasably attached to a wall mounted receiver; wherein the wall mounted receiver is affixed to the wall.

In some embodiments, the wall suspended tent further comprises a tension member; the tension member positioned substantially horizontally and attached to part, or to all, of the inner circumference of the horizontal support structure.

In some embodiments, the horizontal support structure is at least one inflated chamber.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one inflated chamber comprises a valve usable for inflating or deflating the said inflated chamber.

In some embodiments, the wall suspended tent further comprises a tension member; the tension member positioned substantially horizontally and attached to part, or to all, of the upper inner circumference of the at least one inflated chamber.

In some embodiments, the wall suspended tent further comprises at least one side wall; wherein the at least one side wall is attached to a part, or to all, of the horizontal support structure.

In some embodiments, the at least one side wall comprises at least one opening.

• • In some embodiments, the wall suspended tent further comprises at least one side wall; wherein the at least one side wall is attached to a part, or to all, of the bottom side of the inflated chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the presently disclosed subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying Drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the presently disclosed wall suspended tent;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the example of FIG. 1, wherein the wall suspended tent is hung in the corner between two wall/s;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the presently disclosed wall suspended tent; the wall suspended tent being used by a user;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the presently disclosed wall suspended tent; the wall suspended tent being used by a user;

5 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the presently disclosed wall suspended tent; the wall suspended tent being used by a user;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the presently disclosed wall suspended tent; the wall suspended tent being used by a user;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the presently disclosed wall suspended tent; the wall suspended tent being used by a user;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of yet another example of the presently disclosed wall suspended tent; the wall suspended tent being used by a user;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a tension member:

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another example of a tension member: and,

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of yet another example of a tension member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a wall suspended tent (WST). The WST presents a solution for users who need an indoor tent to create a private and relaxing space but do not have a lot of floor space. An indoor tent shields from environmental stimuli and provides a calming enclosure. Users of indoor tents may be children or adults, particularly those who suffer from mental disorder such as ADHD, Anxiety, ADD, or Autism, to name a few. The presently disclosed WST is easily hung on a hanger affixed to a wall or a corner and is suspended against the wall/s taking a minimal floor space. Generally, the WST comprises at least one hanger loop; each hanger loop is designed to be releasably attached to a hanger affixed to a wall or a corner and thereby suspend the WST from the hanger. In some embodiments, the WST further comprises a cover which is attached to the at least one hanger loop and a horizontal support structure which attached to the cover. Generally, the horizontal support structure supports the cover in a pre-determined, substantially horizontal, and distally-extended position against the wall/s, thereby supporting the WST's roof/canopy. In some embodiments, the WST further comprises side wall/s which privatize the space under the cover and create an enclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example of the presently disclosed WST 1 is depicted. The WST 1 is depicted hung from a hanger 4 by a hanger loop 8. The hanger loop 8 is attached to a cover 2 which is supported in a pre-determined position by a horizontal support structure 3a. The WST is further affixed in a desired position against a wall/s 5 (not shown) via attachment of the ends of the horizontal support structure 3a to wall mounted receivers 9. The WST 1 further features side panel/s 10 and side walls 11, both attached, releasably or permanently, to the horizontal support structure 3a or to the cover 2. The WST 1 is designed to be hung from any substantially vertical surface. Such substantially vertical surfaces 5 include, for example, walls, partitions, doors, or corners 17 between the substantially vertical surfaces 5 thereof. For the present disclosure, the terms “wall” or “walls” include in their scope all applicable substantially vertical surface 5.

In some embodiments, the hanger 4 is a hook attachable to a wall 5 or a corner 17, and accordingly the hanger loop 8 is a loop, hook, rod/curved rod, or indeed of any shape usable for releasable attachment to a hook. The hanger 4 may be affixed to the wall 5 via any means known in the art including nails/screws, adhesive, removable adhesive strips (such as Command strips), hook and eye fasteners tape, and combinations thereof. In some other embodiments, the hanger 4 may be a free-standing hook, for example, a narrow hook rack placed on a floor 18. In some other embodiments, when, for example, the WST 1 is positioned against a door or a partition, the hanger 4 may be an over-the-door-hook (i.e. a hook which mounts directly over a door/partition). In some other embodiments, the hanger 4 is an adhesive strip releasably attached to a wall/s 5 or a corner 17, and the hanger loop 8 is releasably attached to the hanger 4 (for example, via loop and eye fastener attachment). When the WST 1 is hung against a vertical surface, the horizontal support structure 3a is positioned substantially horizontally with relation to the vertical surface. The shape of the said horizontal support structure 3a generally defines the shape of the space defined/enclosed by the WST 1. In some embodiments, the horizontal support structure 3a is a rod/curved rod or a rod-like structure, comprising one or multiple parts, with two ends. When the WST 1 is hung at a corner 17 or on a wall/s 5, the two ends of the horizontal support structure 3a are designed to rest on the wall/s on which the WST 1 is hung, or on the corner walls 5. In some embodiments, the ends of the horizontal support structure 3a may be rounded and/or comprise fabric/foam/protectors/rubber/any material disclosed herein, so to not damage the wall/s 5 they rest on (as depicted in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the ends of the horizontal support structure 3a are permanently or releasably attached to the wall/s 5 or corner walls 5 via wall mounted receivers 9. In some embodiments, the attachment of the horizontal support structure 3a and the wall mounted receivers 9 is achieved by releasably securing each end of the horizontal support structure 3a to a matching socket in a wall mounted receiver 9. In some other embodiments, the attachment of the horizontal support structure 3a and the wall mounted receivers 9 may be achieved using any attachment method known in the art including but not limited to any type of fastener (such as screw, nail, or bolt), ratchet mechanism for locking and unlocking, magnetic coupling, faceted interface (such as concave/s and/or protrusion/s), hook and eye fasteners attachment, hook and hanger attachment (including adhesive hooks/hangers), tube and hitch pins, any type of brackets, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the horizontal support structure 3a may be a tension rod/curved tension rod. The wall mounted receivers 9 may be secured to the wall/s 5 using any method traditional in the art including nails/screws, adhesive, removable adhesive strips (such as Command strips), hook and eye fasteners tape, or combinations thereof. The horizontal support structure 3a may be of any shape including but not limited to arch, or any type of U shape. The support structure (3) and/or the horizontal support structure 3a may be fashioned of any applicable material such as foam, plastic, wood, spring steel, metal (such as steel or aluminum), fiberglass rod, and combinations thereof, or any other material that can stably bridge the distance from wall 5 to wall 5 and, in some embodiments, provide elasticity.

In some embodiments, the cover 2 is attached on one end to the hanger loop 8 and on the opposite end to the horizontal support structure 3a, stretching between them. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cover 2 is substantially wedge-shaped as it is attached on a narrow top end to the hanger loop 8 and on a wide bottom end to the horizontal support structure 3a. The cover 2, side panels 10, and side walls 11 may be fashioned out of any material appropriate for the construction of an indoor tent, for example, polyester, canvas/cotton canvas, mesh, vinyl (laminated or coated), fleece fabric, fabric, and combinations thereof. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, illustrates two side walls 11. The side walls 11 and the cover 2, suspended against the wall/s 5 (not shown), create an enclosure/interior space 7. In the embodiment exemplified in FIG. 1, the wall/s 5 participate in enclosing the enclosure 7. In some other embodiments, the side wall/s 11 are hung also against the wall/s 5. This embodiment is particularly relevant when the WST 1 is hung on one wall 5, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, where additional side wall/s 11 could be attached to the cover 2, side wall/s 11, or both. A user may enter the WST 1 simply by moving one or more side walls 11 (they can access from the sides as well). In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the WST 1 may have a bottom part (not shown), the bottom part generally attached, permanently or releasably, to the side wall/s 11 and serves as a floor for the enclosure 7. The bottom part may be fashioned of any of the material/s discussed herein. In some other embodiments, the horizontal support structure 3a includes a horizontal rod 3a, wherein the horizontal rod 3a stretches away from a corner 17 and suspended from the cover 2 and thus keeps the cover in a distal position from the corner 17 and creates an internal space 17. FIG. 2 illustrates the WST 1 of FIG. 1, wherein the WST 1 is hung at a corner 17 between two walls 5 and used by a user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the WST 1 is depicted wherein the WST 1 is suspended on a single wall 5 and used by a user. FIG. 3 illustrates that an embodiment of the WST 1 comprising both support structure 3, disposed throughout the cover 2, and horizontal support structure 3a can be hung on a wall/s 5/corner 17. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the WST 1 is hung on two hangers 4 and the hanger loop 8 is a dowel/rod running the length of the WST 1. In some other embodiments, there may be one or more hangers 4 and one or more hanger loop 8. The hangers 4 and the hanger loops may be of any type as discussed above or know in the art. The horizontal support structure 3a is U shaped and may comprise one or several parts/rods. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the horizontal support structure 3a, and/or the support structure 3, may be encased in a sleeve/s 19. The sleeve/s 19 is generally designed to fit the horizontal support structure 3a, and/or the support structure 3, and the fit may be a snug fit or a loose fit. The sleeve/s 19 may comprise any of the material/s mentioned and discussed herein. A sleeve/s 19 encasing the horizontal support structure 3a is generally disposed between, and attached to, the cover 2 and side wall/s 11. In some other embodiments, a sleeve/s 19 encasing the horizontal support structure 3a is generally disposed between, and attached to, the cover 2 and side panel/s 10. A sleeve 19 encasing a support structure 3, may be positioned anywhere in the cover 2, according to the pattern of the support structure 3. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, attachment to the horizontal support structure 3a is meant to include a direct attachment to the horizontal support structure 3a and/or an attachment to the sleeve 19 encasing the horizontal support structure 3a. Similarly, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, attachment to the support structure 3 is meant to include a direct attachment to the support structure 3 and/or an attachment to the sleeve 19 encasing the support structure 3. Going back to FIG. 3, the cover 2 may comprise support structure 3 positioned diagonally, and attached on one end to the hanger loop 8 and on the other end to the horizontal support structure 3a. In some embodiments, the support structure 3 comprises of at least one rod 3 or rod-like part. Similarly to the horizontal support structure 3a, the support structure 3 may be fashioned of any applicable material which provide a stable frame while light, and potentially, elastic. Such applicable materials include, for example, foam, plastic, wood, spring steel, metal (such as steel or aluminum), fiberglass rod, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cover 2 may be fashioned as one piece. In some other embodiments, the cover 2 is constructed out of two or more parts, wherein the parts may be of the same, or different, material. When the cover 2 is constructed of more than one part (shown), parts may be attached together by stitching 16. However, other manners of attachments may be used including the use of glue/adhesive, hook and eye fasteners, heat pressing, and combinations thereof. Similarly, the side walls 11, or side panel/s 10, may be attached to the cover 2 or the horizontal support structure 3a, releasably or permanently, using any applicable method including but not limited to, sewing, glue/adhesive, heat pressing, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, studs, fastening buttons and complementary button holes, straps with longitudinally spaced holes and corresponding buckles, snap buttons, and combinations thereof. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, there is one side wall 11 forming a U-shaped enclosure 7 against the wall 5. In other embodiments, the side wall 11 may be constructed of at least two sections attached together permanently or releasably using any of the applicable methods mentioned above and their combinations. Embodiments according to which sections of the side walls 11 are attachable releasably allows a user a way to customize their WST 1 with regards to visibility of the enclosure 7 and size/number of the openings 12. In the embodiment shown, the side wall 11 comprise two openings 12. Openings 12 may vary in number, size, and intended use. For example, smaller openings 12 are usable for letting light into the enclosure 7 and peeking in/out, while bigger openings 12 may be usable for entering or exiting the enclosure 7. In some embodiments (not shown), some openings 12 may comprise mesh. According to some other embodiments (not shown), some openings 12 may comprise a releasably closable/openable door. In some embodiments, the cover 2 comprises at least one opening/s 12. In some embodiments, exemplified in FIG. 4, the WST 1 does not comprise side wall 11, and therefore defines a space which is directly under the cover 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the side panel 10 creates a partial vertical cover for the space under the cover 2. In some embodiments, the side panel 10 may be wider or narrower thus privatizing the space under the cover 2 more or less, respectively. Control of privatizing the enclosure 7 may be achieved also by the selection of the material/s used for the Cover 2, and/or side panel/s 10, and/or side wall/s 11. For example, heavier/thicker fabrics/material/s may be used to achieve a quieter/darker enclosure 7, and vice versa. While the embodiments exemplified in the current FIGS. depict WST 1 which is squarish, arch-shaped, or half-circled shaped, different configuration of the horizontal support structure 3a and/or the support structure 3 can create many different shapes of the WST 1. This includes any desired shape, not limiting the WST 1 to geometric shapes. As the side wall/s 11, and/or the side panel/s 10, are attached to the horizontal support structure 3a or the cover 3 either releasably or permanently, they may be removed from the WST 1 if desired, thereby achieving the configuration depicted in FIGS. 4 and 7. Alternatively, side wall/s 11, and/or the side panel/s 10, may be rolled upwards or sideways, like curtains, and held releasably in the rolled position, thereby opening the enclosure 7. Any type of releasable attachment known in the art may be used to attach the side wall/s 11, and/or the side panel/s 10, to the cover 2 and/or to the horizontal support structure 3a. Similarly, any type of releasable attachment known in the art may be used to keep/release the side wall/s 11, and/or the side panel/s 10, in/from a rolled configuration. Some examples of releasable attachment means include, without limitation, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, studs, fastening buttons and complementary button holes, straps with longitudinally spaced holes and corresponding buckles, snap buttons, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the WST 1 in use by a user and further exemplifies the option to configure the enclosure 7. The embodiment of FIG. 7 comprises a hanger loop 8 used for hanging the WST 1 on a hanger 4 affixed to a corner 17 between two walls 5. The WST 1 further comprises a cover 2, side panel 10, and side walls 11. The WST 1 is featured hung at a certain height wherein the side walls 11 do not reach the floor 18 and therefore do not enclose the space under the cover 2 completely. However, an additional hanger 4 is affixed to the corner 17 directly below the hanger 4 being used. A user may simply remove the hanger loop 8 from the upper hanger 4 and releasably attach it to the lower hanger 4, thereby causing the side walls 11 to reach the floor 18 or nearly reach the floor 18 and thus achieve a greater privacy. In some embodiments, the attachment of the side walls 11 to the horizontal support structure 3a is like that of a curtain hung on a rail, meaning the side wall/s 11 may be pulled to cover or uncover the enclosure 7 as desirable.

FIG. 5 illustrate yet another embodiment of the WST 1; the WST 1 is hung at a corner 17 and used by a user. According to the embodiment featured, the horizontal support structure 3a is an inflated chamber 3a. The inflated chamber 3a comprises a valve 14 usable for inflating/deflating the inflated chamber 3a either manually or with an electric/battery-operated pump. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 5 comprises a hanger loop 8, cover 2, inflated chamber 3a, and a side wall 11 comprising and opening.

Optionally, all the parts of the WST 1 of FIG. 5 are fashioned out of soft and elastic materials, making this embodiment particularly suitable for younger users. In some other embodiments, the inflated chamber 3a may comprise any of the materials discussed herein, including but not limited to, foam, plastic, wood, spring steel, metal (such as steel or aluminum), fiberglass rod, polyester, canvas/cotton canvas, mesh, vinyl (laminated or coated), fleece fabric, fabric, PVC, Nylon, and combinations thereof. In the embodiments (not shown), the inflated chamber 3a is not attached the cover 2 or the side walls 11, but is inserted into, and removed from, a sleeve disposed between the cover 2 and side walls 11. The inflated chamber 3a may be fashioned of any material mentioned or discussed herein and can be comprise air, gas, or liquid, and combinations thereof.

Moving now to FIGS. 6 and 8, the embodiment of FIG. 6 depicts a WST 1 hung on a wall 5 and used by a user. The WST 1 is hung on a single hanger and features a substantially half-circled arch-shaped horizontal support structure 3a, support structure 3, cover 2, side panel 10, and side wall 11 comprising openings 12. The embodiment of FIG. 8 depicts a WST 1 hung at a corner 17 and used by a user. The WST 1 is hung on a single hanger and features a substantially square-shaped horizontal support structure 3a, support structure 3, cover 2, two side panels 10, and two side walls 11 each comprising an opening 12. In some embodiments, the WST 1 further comprises at least one reinforced section 15. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 8, the reinforced section 15 is positioned between the hanger loop 8 and the cover 2 and is attached to both. In some embodiments (shown), the reinforced section 15 is also attached to the support structure 3. The reinforced section is designed to withstand the pulling forces of the hanger loop 8 and the cover 2 and to provide stability to the support structure 3. In some embodiments, the reinforced section 15 is fashioned of at least one layer of material. Applicable materials include, for example, polyester, polyester webbing, canvas/cotton canvas, mesh, vinyl (laminated or coated), fleece fabric, fabric, nylon, ripstop PVC, and combinations thereof. The hanger loop 8 is also designed to withstand pulling forces and may be fashioned of, without limitations, of rope, polyester, polyester webbing, canvas/cotton canvas, mesh, vinyl (laminated or coated), fleece fabric, fabric, nylon, ripstop PVC, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the hanger loop 8 is continues with the cover 2 (as depicted in FIG. 5) and therefore fashioned of the same material of the cover 2. The horizontal support structure 3a and/or the support structure 3 may be fashioned of foam or other rigid or semi-rigid material/s or any of the material/s mentioned herein, and combinations of the said materials thereof.

Finally, referring to FIGS. 9-11, in some embodiments, the WST 1 further comprises a tension member 13. In some embodiments, the tension member 13 is positioned substantially horizontally and is attached, permanently or releasably, to part, or to all, of the inner circumference of the horizontal support structure 3a. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, attachment to the horizontal support structure 3a is meant to include a direct attachment to the horizontal support structure 3a and/or an attachment to the sleeve 19 encasing the horizontal support structure 3a. Therefore, in some embodiments, the tension member 13 is positioned substantially horizontally and is attached, permanently or releasably, to part, or to all, of the inner circumference of the sleeve 19 encasing the horizontal support structure 3a. Generally, the tension member 13 is designed to maintain the horizontal support structure 3a in a desired configuration, for example, an arch, by keeping the inner circumference of the horizontal support structure 3a in a desired curve/shape. The example of FIG. 9 depicts the tension member 13 attached to the entire inner circumference of an arch-shaped horizontal support structure 3a. The tension member 13 illustrated in FIG. 10, partially covers the inner circumference of a half-circle shaped horizontal support structure 3a. In some embodiments, the tension member 13 is a strap of material. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the tension member 13 is attached to each end of the horizontal support structure 3a. The tension member 13 may be constructed out of any material which will allow it to maintain the horizontal support structure 3a in a desired configuration. Such material includes without limitation rope, polyester, polyester webbing, canvas/cotton canvas, mesh, vinyl (laminated or coated), fleece fabric, fabric, nylon, ripstop PVC, plastic, wood, spring steel, metal (such as steel or aluminum), fiberglass rod, and combinations thereof. It is expressly contemplated herein that the above-discussed parts and sections, including hanger hook 8, hanger 4, reinforcement section 15, support structure 3, horizontal support structure 3a, cover 2 (potentially comprising opening/s 12), side panel/s 10, side wall/s 11 (potentially comprising opening/s 12), and wall mounted receivers 9, may be combined to achieve any desired configuration, size, and shape of the presently disclosed WST 1. In other words, the WST 1 can be adapted to many shapes and forms not shown herein. To just give some examples, the WST may comprise just a (supported) cover 2, or a (supported) cover 2 attached to side panel/s 10, or a (supported) cover 2 attached to side panel/s 10 and side wall/s 11, or a (supported) cover 2 attached side wall/s 11. These are just some unlimiting examples, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many, various, possible configurations using the parts and sections discussed herein. Similarly, the parts and sections discussed herein, hook 8, hanger 4, reinforcement section 15, support structure 3, horizontal support structure 3a, cover 2 (potentially comprising opening/s 12), side panel/s 10, side wall/s 11 (potentially comprising opening/s 12), and wall mounted receivers 9, may be fashioned of various material/s and fabric/s known in the art, including material/s and fabric/s mentioned herein and combinations thereof.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.

Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter. For example, the term “about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments, ±100% in some embodiments ±50%, in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.

Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.

By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. For example, when using the term “substantially” herein it may be a value of at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 99%, or any amount or range therebetween.

Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.