Carton and Method of Using Same

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is related and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 63/736,703, filed on Dec. 20, 2024, the application of which is incorporate herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The subject matter relates generally to a carton and more particularly to a carton including an elevated container body for allowing airflow thereunder and preventing direct contact of a bottom surface of the container body with a warmer/heating surface, and method of using same.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Various products are known to be purchased by consumers that require a container for ease of transport. For example, in the food and grocery industry it is common to place food items in individual “carry-out” or “to-go” food containers. Carry-out food containers may provide one or more compartments for holding food. However, there may be certain drawbacks to commonly used carry-out food containers, especially for hot foods. For example, one drawback of carry-out food containers is that if left sitting on a warmer or hot surface for an extended period time the contents may get too hot, burned, and/or dried out. Therefore, there is a need for a hot food carry-out container that allows for the container to remain on the warmer/hot surface, without the contents getting too hot, burned, and/or dried out.

SUMMARY

[0004]In one embodiment, a carton is provided. The carton may include a container body, including a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, a rear panel, and a front panel; a container lid, including a top lid panel, two opposing lid side panels, and a lid front panel, wherein the container lid is coupled in a hinged fashion to a top edge of the rear panel of the container body, and wherein the two opposing lid side panels have a width (w1) greater than a width (w2) of the two opposing side panels of the container body; and wherein when the container lid is secured in a closed configuration lower edges of the two opposing lid side panels extend a distance past the bottom surface of the bottom panel, thereby holding the bottom surface of the bottom panel of the container body in an elevated position with respect to the lower edges of the two opposing lid side panels. In the elevated position, a gap is formed between the bottom surface of the bottom panel of the container body and a surface upon which the carton is resting on. The front lid panel may have a width (w3) greater than a width (w4) of the front panel of the container body. The rear panel and front panel of the container body each may include two opposing end flaps, and wherein in an assembled configuration the two opposing end flaps of the rear panel may be attached each to respective ones of the two opposing side panels of the container body and the two opposing end flaps of the front panel may be attached each to respective ones of the two opposing side panels of the container body. The two opposing end flaps of the rear panel and front panel of the container body have a height (h1 and h2 respectively) greater than that of the width (w2) of the two opposing side panels of the container body. The front lid panel may include two opposing end flaps, and wherein in an assembled configuration the two opposing end flaps of the front lid panel may be attached each to a respective one of the two opposing lid side panels of the container lid. The carton may further include one or more vents. The one or more vents may be formed in either or both of the container body and/or the container lid. The carton may further include one or more vent notches formed in an upper edge of the front panel of the container body, wherein the one or more vent notches may be substantially aligned with one or more vents formed in a front portion of the container lid. The carton may further include a window formed in at least a portion of the top lid panel. The window may extend into a portion of the rear panel of the container body. The lid front panel may include a foldable tab at a bottom edge portion thereof, and wherein the foldable tab may be foldable inward along one or more of score or fold lines. In an assembled and closed configuration with the foldable tab folded inward a lower opening may be formed at the bottom edge portion of the lid front panel. The lower opening may be configured to receive a sticker. The sticker when installed may extend from the bottom panel of the container body to the lid front panel of the container lid securing the container body in an elevated position with respect to the container lid.

[0005]In another embodiment, a method of using a carton is provided. The method may include providing the carton. The carton may include a container body, including a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, a rear panel, and a front panel; a container lid, including a top lid panel, two opposing lid side panels, and a lid front panel, wherein the container lid is coupled in a hinged fashion to a top edge of the rear panel of the container body, and wherein the two opposing lid side panels have a width (w1) greater than a width (w2) of the two opposing side panels of the container body; and wherein when the container lid is secured in a closed configuration lower edges of the two opposing lid side panels extend a distance past the bottom surface of the bottom panel, thereby holding the bottom surface of the bottom panel of the container body in an elevated position with respect to the lower edges of the two opposing lid side panels. The method may further include placing contents within the container body; securing the container lid in a closed configuration causing the lower edges of the two opposing lid side panels to extend past the bottom surface of the bottom panel and further causing the bottom surface of the bottom panel of the container body to be elevated with respect to the lower edges of the two opposing lid side panels; and placing the carton on a surface, wherein a gap is formed between the bottom surface of the bottom panel of the container body and the surface upon which the carton is resting on, and wherein the gap provides circulation of air away from the bottom panel of the container body. The surface may be a heated surface. The lid front panel of the container lid may include a foldable tab at a bottom edge portion thereof, and wherein the foldable tab may be foldable inward along one or more of score or fold lines. In an assembled and closed configuration, with the foldable tab folded inward, a lower opening may be formed at the bottom edge portion of the lid front panel. Securing the container lid in a closed configuration may include installing a sticker at the lower opening, and wherein the sticker when installed may extend from the bottom panel of the container body to the lid front panel of the container lid securing the container body in an elevated position with respect to the container lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]Having thus described the subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0007]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of an example carton including an elevated container body in an open state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0008]FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate perspective views of the carton shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in a closed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0009]FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of an example carton “blank” used to form the carton shown in FIGS. 1-4, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0010]FIGS. 6-10 illustrate a front view, a back view, an end view, a top view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the carton shown in FIGS. 1-4 in the closed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0011]FIGS. 11-15 illustrate a front view, a back view, an end view, a top view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the carton shown in FIGS. 1-4 in an open state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0012]FIGS. 16-18 illustrate perspective views of another example of a carton including an elevated container body in a closed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 19 illustrates a plan view of an example carton “blank” used to form the carton shown in FIGS. 16-18, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 20 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method of using the cartons shown in FIGS. 1-19 that include an elevated container body, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0015]FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an example carton showing a sticker for securing the carton closed and securing the container body in the elevated position with respect to the container lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016]The subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The 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 subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the 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 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.

[0017]In some embodiments, the subject matter provides food cartons including an elevated container body for allowing airflow thereunder and preventing direct contact of a bottom surface of the container body with a warmer/heating surface, and method of using same.

[0018]In some embodiments, the food cartons and method provide a container body for holding any desired contents (e.g., food items) and a foldable container lid and wherein the floor of the container body is elevated or raised with respect to the lower edge of the container lid to form a space that allows airflow beneath the container body and prevents direct contact of the bottom surface of the container body with a warmer/heating surface.

[0019]In some embodiments, the food cartons and method provide an elevated container body with respect to the bottom edge of a foldable container lid forming a space that allows airflow thereunder and prevents direct contact of the bottom surface of the container body with a warmer/heating surface, which helps to prevent the food contents from getting too hot, burned, and/or dry if the food carton is left on a warm or hot surface for an extended period of time.

[0020]In some embodiments, the food cartons and method provide an elevated container body with respect to the bottom edge of a foldable container lid that may further include any number, arrangements, and/or combinations of vent openings, vent punchouts, and/or vent flaps for preventing the buildup of excessive moisture inside the food carton and thereby helping to keep the food contents crisp and not soggy.

[0021]Further, a method is provided of using the food cartons including an elevated container body for allowing airflow thereunder and preventing direct contact of the bottom surface of the container body with a warmer/heating surface.

[0022]Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an example of a food carton 100 including an elevated container body for allowing airflow thereunder and preventing direct contact of the bottom surface of the container body with a warmer/heating surface, and wherein the food carton 100 is shown in an open state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the food carton 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in a closed state.

[0023]In, for example, a store environment that sells hot food, often food containers are set on a warm or hot surface for keeping the food warm while awaiting sale. Setting conventional food containers directly atop a warm or hot surface for an extended period of time can cause the food contents to become too hot, burned/overcooked, and/or to become dried out. By contrast, the food carton 100 disclosed herein includes an elevated container body that forms a space that allows for airflow beneath the container and serves as a heat removal mechanism. This heat removal from the space beneath the food carton 100 helps to prevent the food contents from getting too hot, burned, and/or dry if left on a warm or hot surface for an extended period of time. Further, food carton 100 is configured and designed such that it maintains a safe holding temperature for the food contents within. The food carton 100 provides a safe holding temperature, while also preserving the quality of the food contents placed therein, for example, as compared to traditional plastic packaging, which can lead to the food contents therein losing its crispness and becoming soggy due to moisture build up.

[0024]Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, in this example, the food carton 100 may include a container body 102 coupled in folding/hinged fashion to a container lid 104. The container body 102 may include a bottom panel 110 that may include two opposing foldable side flaps 112. Each of the side flaps 112 may include one or more score or fold lines 114. Further, the container body 102 may include a back panel 116 that may include two opposing foldable end flaps 118. Further, the container body 102 may include a front panel 122 that may include two opposing foldable end flaps 124. In this example, the front edge of bottom panel 110 of the container body 102 may be coupled in folding fashion along a fold line to the front panel 122. Similarly, the back edge of the bottom panel 110 may be coupled in folding fashion along a fold line to the back panel 116.

[0025]When the container body 102 is assembled, each of the side flaps 112 may be coupled to an end flap 118 and an end flap 124 via, for example, using an adhesive, thermal bonding, or any other suitable technique and/or mechanism.

[0026]Additionally, when the container body 102 is assembled, the fold line between the back panel 116 and each end flap 118 may include a tab 120 that forms a rear vent opening 121 when the corner is formed.

[0027]The container lid 104 may include a lid top panel 126 that may include two opposing foldable side panels 128 and wherein each side panel 128 may include an extended side portion 130. Each of the side panels 128 may include one or more score or fold lines 132. Further, a side vent opening 134 may be provided on each side of the container lid 104. For example, side vent opening 134 may be formed at the fold line between the lid top panel 126 and each of the two side panels 128. Further, a lid front panel 136 may be coupled in folding fashion along a fold line to the front edge of lid top panel 126. The lid front panel 136 may include two opposing foldable end flaps 138. The back edge of lid top panel 126 may be coupled in folding fashion along a fold line to the top edge of the back panel 116 of the container body 102. Additionally, the exposed edge of the lid front panel 136 may include a foldable and/or removeable tab 139. For example, when the food carton 100 is closed, the foldable tab 139 may fold inward (see FIG. 1) along one or more of score or fold lines 140, or may be removed, to form a lower opening 141. In one example, foldable tab 139 may fold inward along a first one of score or fold lines 140, e.g., a horizontal extending score or fold line 140 extending along a top edge of foldable tab 139, and its side edges may be separated from lid front panel 136, along vertical score or fold lines 140 at opposing side edges of foldable tab 139. Thus, allowing for foldable tab 139 to be folded inward.

[0028]Further, the container lid 104 may include one or more (e.g., three) front vent openings 142 at the folded interface of the lid top panel 126 and the lid front panel 136. The upper edge of the front panel 122 of the container body 102 may include one or more (e.g., three) vent clearance notches 123, so as to not interfere with the front vent openings 142 when the food carton 100 is closed. The one or more vent clearance notches 123 may correspond locationally to the one or more front vent openings 142.

[0029]Further, the food carton 100 may include a window 144 that may be formed in the lid top panel 126 or may span an open portion of both the back panel 116 of the container body 102 and the lid top panel 126 of the container lid 104. However, the presence of the window 144 may be optional. Window 144 may be formed of a substantially clear material that may be adhered, for example, across the opening in the back panel 116 and the lid top panel 126, or may be just in the lid top panel 126. Window 144 may be of any shape and/or size.

[0030]With respect to the food carton 100 being, for example, a disposable food container, food carton 100 may be formed of any lightweight, rigid or semi-rigid material that is suitable for holding and/or transporting, for example, a quantity of cold and/or hot food and that is also suitable for disposing of after use. For example, food carton 100 can be formed of corrugated cardboard, micro-fluted corrugated material, paper, solid unbleached sulphate (SUS) paperboard, solid bleached sulphate (SBS) paperboard, post-consumer paperboard (i.e., recycled materials), biodegradable materials (e.g., sugarcane and paper), polystyrene foam (e.g., Styrofoam), plastic, molded fiber, and/or the like.

[0031]When the food carton 100 is closed, FIG. 4, for example, shows that the floor (e.g., bottom panel 110) of the container body 102 is elevated or raised with respect to the lower edge of the container lid 104 (e.g., lower edge of extended side portions 130 and lid front panel 136) to form a bottom space 150. The bottom space 150 may be fully open along the back lower portion of the food carton 100. Further, the lower opening 141 of the container lid 104 may also open into this bottom space 150. In one non-limiting example, the bottom space 150 below the container body 102 may be in the range of about ¼ inch high.

[0032]The two side panels 128 of the container lid 104 may each have a width (w1) that is greater than the width (w2) of each of the side flaps 112 of the container body 102. The lid front panel 136 of the container lid 104 may have a width (w3) that is greater than the width (w4) of the front panel 122 of the container body 102. End flaps 118 and 124 of the container body 102 may each have a height (h1 and h2 respectively) greater than the width (w2) of each of the side flaps 112 of the container body 102.

[0033]Further, a sticker 195 (such as a paper or plastic sticker), may be used to secure the food carton 100 closed and to also secure the container body 102 in the elevated position with respect to the lower edge of the container lid 104, as shown for example in FIG. 23. For example, the sticker 195 may be placed at the lower opening 141 of the lid front panel 136 of the container lid 104. The sticker 195 spanning the corner formed between the bottom panel 110 of the container body 102 and the lid front panel 136 of the container lid 104 (see, e.g., FIG. 21).

[0034]Bottom space 150 allows airflow beneath the container body 102 of the food carton 100 and also prevents direct contact of a bottom of the container body 102 with a warm/hot surface. For example, when the food carton 100 is placed on a warm or hot surface, the bottom space 150 allows warm or hot air to circulate away from the container body 102 of the food carton 100 and prevents direct contact of the bottom of the container body 102 with the warm or hot surface it may be placed on. That is, the presence of bottom space 150 does not allow heat to be trapped at or against the container body 102 of the food carton 100 and also prevents direct contact of the bottom of the container body 102 with the warm or hot surface it may be placed on.

[0035]Further, and referring now again to FIGS. 1-4, the two rear vent openings 121, the two side vent openings 134, and the three front vent openings 142 are an example of any number, arrangements, and/or combinations of vent openings, vent punchouts, and/or vent flaps for preventing the buildup of excessive moisture inside the food carton 100 to help keep the food contents crisp and not soggy.

[0036]Referring now to FIG. 5 is a plan view of an example of a food carton “blank” 190 used to form the food carton 100 shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-4, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The food carton “blank” 190 is a flat pre-folded configuration of the food carton 100. In one non-limiting example, the overall size of the food carton “blank” 190 may be in the range of about 9⅞ inches to about 12¾ inches wide and in the range of about 12 15/16 inches to about 16½ inches long.

[0037]In one non-limiting example, when assembled and closed, the overall dimensions of the food carton 100 may be in the range of about 5½ inches to about 8 inches wide, in the range of about 3½ inches to about 5 inches deep, and in the range of about 1⅞ inches to about 2 1/16 inches high. Further, window 144 may be in the range of about 5¼ inches to about 7¾ inches wide and in the range of about 4 25/32 inches to about 5 13/32 inches long.

[0038]Referring now to FIGS. 6-10 is a front view, a back view, an end view, a top view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the food carton 100 shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-4 in the closed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0039]The front view of the food carton 100 shown in FIG. 6 and the back view of FIG. 7 show the lower opening 141 of the container lid 104 opening into the bottom space 150. Further, FIG. 7 shows the floor (e.g., bottom panel 110) of the container body 102 is elevated or raised with respect to the lower edge of the container lid 104 (e.g., lower edge of extended side portions 130 and lid front panel 136) to form the bottom space 150. Accordingly, the container body 102 may be considered an elevated or raised container body 102 with respect to the container lid 104.

[0040]Referring now to FIGS. 11-15 is a front view, a back view, an end view, a top view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the food carton 100 shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-4 in the open state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The front view of the food carton 100 shown in FIG. 11 shows the foldable tab 139 folded over onto the lid front panel 136 to create the lower opening 141.

[0041]Referring now to FIGS. 16-18 are perspective views of another example of a food carton 200 including an elevated container body for allowing airflow thereunder and preventing direct contact of a bottom surface of the container body 102 warmer/heating surface and wherein the food carton 200 is shown in the closed state, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. The food carton 200 may be substantially the same as the food carton 100 shown in FIGS. 1-15 except for different dimensions, as described below with regard to FIG. 19.

[0042]Referring now to FIG. 19, which is a plan view of an example of a food carton “blank” 290 used to form the food carton 200 shown, for example, in FIGS. 17-18, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The food carton “blank” 290 is a flat pre-folded configuration of the food carton 200. In one example, the food carton 200 shown, for example, in FIGS. 16-18 may be smaller than the food carton 100 shown in FIGS. 1-16. In one non-limiting example, the overall size of the food carton “blank” 290 may be about 9⅞ inches by about 12 15/16 inches, and when assembled and closed, the overall dimensions of the food carton 200 may be about 5½ inches wide, about 3½ inches deep, and about 1⅞ inches high. Further, the window 144 may be about 5¼ inches by about 4 25/32 inches.

[0043]Referring now to FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of an example method 300 of using the food cartons 100, 200 shown in FIGS. 1-19 that include an elevated container body for allowing airflow thereunder and also prevents direct contact of a bottom of the container body 102 with a warmer/heating surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Method 300 may include, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0044]At a step 310, a food carton is provided that includes an elevated container body for allowing airflow thereunder and preventing direct contact of a bottom of the container body with a warmer/heating surface. For example and referring to FIGS. 1-15, the food carton 100 is provided that includes an elevated container body 102 for allowing airflow thereunder and preventing direct contact of a bottom of the container body 102 with a warm/hot surface. In this example, when closed, the floor (e.g., bottom panel 110) of the container body 102 may be elevated or raised with respect to the lower edge of the container lid 104 (e.g., lower edge of extended side portions 130 and lid front panel 136) to form the bottom space 150.

[0045]At a step 315, the container lid of the food carton is opened and then any food contents may be placed into the container body of the food carton. For example and referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the container lid 104 of the food carton 100 may be opened and then any food contents may be placed into the container body 102 of the food carton 100. In a specific, non-limiting, example, heated fried chicken may be placed in the container body 102 of food carton 100.

[0046]At a step 320, the container lid of the food carton is closed onto the container body. For example and referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the container lid 104 of the food carton 100 may be closed onto the container body 102.

[0047]At a step 325, the food carton is sealed closed and at the same time the container body is secured in the elevated position. For example, FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the food carton 100 and showing a sticker 195 for securing the food carton 100 closed and also securing the container body 102 in the elevated position with respect to the container lid 104.

[0048]In this example, a sticker 195 may be used to secure the food carton 100 closed and to also secure the container body 102 in the elevated position with respect to the lower edge of the container lid 104. Here, the sticker 195 may be placed at the lower opening 141 of the lid front panel 136 of the container lid 104. The sticker 195 folding at the corner formed between the bottom panel 110 of the container body 102 and the lid front panel 136 of the container lid 104. The sticker 195 may be, for example, a product sticker on which any information (e.g., description, barcode, price) about the food item may be printed.

[0049]At a step 330, the closed food container holding the food contents may be placed on a warm or hot surface while awaiting transport. For example and referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the closed food carton 100 that is holding the food contents may be placed on a warm or hot surface while awaiting, for example, sale and transport away.

[0050]At a step 335, warm/hot air is allowed to circulate away from the bottom of the food container and the bottom of the of the food container is prevented from directly contacting the warmer/heating surface. Further, ventilation of food contents is allowed. For example and referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, because of the presence of the bottom space 150 below the elevated container body 102, warm/hot air is allowed to circulate away from the bottom of the food carton 100 and the bottom of the container body 102 is prevented from direct contact with a warmer/heating surface it may be set on. In this way, the bottom space 150 may be used to help prevent the food contents from getting too hot, burned, and/or dry if the food carton 100 is left on a warm or hot surface for an extended period of time.

[0051]Further, because of the presence of the two rear vent openings 121, the two side vent openings 134, and the three front vent openings 142, ventilation of the food carton 100 may be provided. In this way, the ventilation helps to prevent the buildup of excessive moisture inside the food carton 100 therefore helps to keep the food contents crisp and not soggy.

[0052]At a step 340, the food carton may be transported away from the warm or hot surface. For example, the food carton 100 may be picked up and carried away from the warm or hot surface on which it was stored while awaiting sale.

[0053]In summary and referring again to FIGS. 1-21, the food cartons 100, 200 and method 300 provide an elevated container body 102 in relation to the bottom edge of the container lid 104 and thereby providing the bottom space 150 that allows for airflow beneath the food cartons 100, 200, and prevents direct contact of the of the container body 102 from direct contact with a warmer/heating surface it may be set on, which serves as a heat removal mechanism. This heat removal from beneath the food cartons 100, 200 using bottom space 150 helps to prevent the food contents from getting too hot, burning, and/or dry if left on a warm or hot surface for an extended period of time.

[0054]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.

[0055]The terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “includes,” and “including,” are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that may be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0056]Terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments or to imply that certain features are critical or essential to the structure or function of the claimed embodiments. These terms are intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0057]The term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation and to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0058]Various modifications and variations of the disclosed methods, compositions and uses of the invention will be apparent to the skilled person without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the subject matter has been disclosed in connection with specific preferred aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that the subject matter as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific aspects or embodiments.

[0059]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.

[0060]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.

[0061]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.