BACKGROUND

[0001] While coloring hair, it is typical for a colorist, while coloring hair, to place their hair-color brush back inside a bowl containing hair-coloring agent when the brash is not in- use. Doing that causes inaccurate application when hair-dye is again needed to be applied to the client’s hair. Product, from the bowl, can also end up on the handle of the brash. When that happens, it is only a matter of time before the hair dye is transferred to other places that are not amenable to the dyeing process, for example, the applier's gloves, and from the gloves to other parts of a client’s hair while separating their hair, from gloves to hair-clips used in separating hair, to countertops, and the like. Still further, placing the brush in the howl results in the brush resting on its bristles. This damages the bristles, leading to decreased lifespan of the brush.

[0002] Additionally, keeping the bristles of the brush out of the hair dye product within the bowl is essential for proper and accurate application of the dye, in addition to assisting in maintaining a cleaner and more efficient work area. Also, with the brush soaking in the dye, dye can get onto other parts of the brush other than the bristles, such as the handle. Then this potentially transfers dye to other things, such as gloves, surfaces, other parts of the hair or clothing of the client, and hair dye is not easily removed.

[0003] As hair-dye brashes are delicate, keeping the bristles of the brush out of the hair dye product and not resting with the weight of the brush on the bristles leads to less damage to the bristles. Less damaged bristles also lead to more accurate hair-color application.

[0004] Hair-color manufacturers use a cautionary note against using any metallic bowls. Metal oxidizes the hair-dye which will leach into the product, causing a number of problems including but not limited to: making the product ineffective, changing the desired result; causing a hazardous chemical reaction, or damaging the hair. The beauty industry mostly has plastic bowls and brushes. Some wooden brushes are used, but never metal.

[0005] Some possible solutions to problems with hair dye and hair dye brushes include clips that attach to a side of a bowl or other container, such as those integrated within a brush, or to which a brush is attached. Problems with such solutions include the fragile nature of clips, which can easily break or get caught on clothing or gloves. Further, operation of a clip to attach and remove a brush from a container typically involves squeezing a clip to remove the pressure that holds it to the container. This is difficult when wearing gloves that can be slippery or slick with hair dye during the dyeing process. Still further, the use of metal on brushes and/or clips is problematic in that the metal is typically reactive with hair dye.

[0006] Other potential solutions include the addition of a magnet into a bowl or integrated with a brush, However, such brush solutions are typically for use with metal cans, such as paint and stain cans. Metal cans, as discussed herein, cannot be used for hair dye products. Similarly, magnetic brushes are typically provided for magnetically sticking to metal cans. Once again, such a metal can or metal brush is problematic in hair dyeing.

[0007] Solutions that integrate a magnet into a container typically do so by simply placing a magnet on the side of the bucket. This does not overcome the issues of reactivity of metal exposed to hair-dye, or to the problem of how to get a brush to attach to a magnet without having exposed metal.

SUMMARY

[0008] In one embodiment, a hair coloring container system includes a bowl having a main body with an upper lip extending around the main body. An extension extends upward from the upper lip. The extension has a magnet element encased therein so as to not be exposed to hair coloring agent in the bowl. A brush has a ferromagnetic element encased therein so as not to be exposed to hair coloring agent in the bowl, and the brush is releasably attachable, in a storage position, to the extension via magnetic attraction between the magnet and the ferromagnetic element, and wherein the brush is positioned above hair coloring agent in the bowl when attached to the extension.

[0009] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The hair coloring container system may include wings extending between the upper lip and the extension on either side thereof. The magnet is encased in the extension so as not to be exposed to hair coloring agent in the bowl. The ferromagnetic element is encased in the brush so as not to be exposed to hair coloring agent in the bowl. The bowl has a handle on an end opposite the extension. The handle has an indentation for ease in handling. The handle extends downward to a level equal to a level of a bottom of the bowl. The bowl further may include a plurality of ridges, the plurality of ridges configured to support the brush when the brush is placed in the storage position. Each of the plurality of ridges extend to a same height on the extension. The magnet and the ferromagnetic element are contained within the extension and the brush, respectively, with sonic welding.

[0010] In another embodiment, a hair coloring container system includes a bowl having a main body with an upper lip extending around the main body, and an attachment configured to fit over the bowl and attach thereto. The attachment has a frame for attachment to the bowl and an extension extending upward from the frame. The extension has a magnet encased therein so as to not be exposed to hair coloring agent in the bowl. A brush has a ferromagnetic element encased therein so as not to be exposed to hair coloring agent in the bowl.

[0011] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The hair coloring container system where the brush is releasably attachable to the extension via magnetic attraction between the magnet and the ferromagnetic element. The brush is positioned above hair coloring agent in the bowl when attached to the extension. The bowl has a handle on an end opposite the extension. The handle has an indentation for ease in handling. The extension or bowl further may include a plurality of ridges, the plurality of ridges configured to support the brush when the brush is placed in the a storage position removably attached to the extension. Each of the plurality of ridges extend to a same height on the extension. The magnet and the ferromagnetic element are contained within the extension and the brush, respectively, with sonic welding. The the attachment may include a hinge that is adjustable to different angles to allow for the brush to be attached to the extension at a desired or chosen angle.

[0012] This summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of a flexible connector and a base connector combination as described herein. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 is a view of a brush and bowl according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a more detailed view of the brush of FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a view of bowl according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a view of a brush, bowl, and attachment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a brush and bowl according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 5; [0019] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 5;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 5;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a left side elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 5;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a top elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 5;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a bottom elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 5 ;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bowl according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 12;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 12;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a right side elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 12;

[0028] FIG. 16 is a left side elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 12;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a top elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 12;

[0030] FIG. 18 is a bottom elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 12;

[0031] FIG. 19 is a left side elevation view of a bowl such as that of FIG. 12 with a rectangular magnet opening;

[0032] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a non-slip ring that is attachable to a bottom of the bowl to reduce slipping of the bowl on a surface;

[0033] FIG. 21 is a view of a non- slip ring in place on a bowl according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a brush and bowl according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22;

[0036] FIG. 24 is a rear elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22;

[0037] FIG. 25 is a right side elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22;

[0038] FIG. 26 is a left side elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22;

[0039] FIG. 27 is a top elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22;

[0040] FIG. 28 is a bottom elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22;

[0041] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a bowl according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29;

[0043] FIG. 31 is a rear elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29;

[0044] FIG. 32 is a right side elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29;

[0045] FIG. 33 is a left side elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29; [0046] FIG. 34 is a top elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29;

[0047] FIG. 35 is a bottom elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29; and

[0048] FIG 36 is a perspective view of a bowl according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS [0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide solutions to a hair color brush and hair-color container that keep the brush over the container without resting on the bristles or in the hair-color in the container, using magnets and ferromagnetic material.

[0050] It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used in different figures for same or similar elements. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments, and the terminology is not intended to be limiting. Unless indicated otherwise, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are used to distinguish or identify different elements or steps in a group of elements or steps, and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation on the elements or steps of the embodiments thereof. For example, "first," "second," and "third" elements or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the embodiments thereof need not necessarily be limited to three elements or steps. It should also be understood that, unless indicated otherwise, any labels such as "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "forward," "reverse," "clockwise," "counter clockwise," "up," "down," or other similar terms such as "upper," "lower," "aft," "fore," "vertical," "horizontal," "proximal," "distal," "intermediate" and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or directions. It should also be understood that the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0051] It will be understood that, when an element is referred to as being "connected," "coupled," or “attached" to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled or attached to the other element, or it can be indirectly connected, coupled, or attached to the other element where intervening or intermediate elements may be present. In contrast, if an element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly coupled" or "directly attached" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Drawings illustrating direct connections, couplings or attachments between elements also include embodiments, in which the elements are indirectly connected, coupled or attached to each other. [0052] In one embodiment, a hair color system 100 is shown in FIG. 1. System 100 comprises in one embodiment a hair-color bowl 101 that has a magnet 104 that is encased in plastic in a wall or extension of the bowl 101. The magnet 104 is, in one embodiment, molded into the bowl 101 in extension 108 which extends above the upper lip 103 of main body container 102 of bowl 101, and is covered by a non-reactive cover, such as a screw-on cap, a snap-cap, or other non-reactive covering 106 or the like. While shown as rectangular, it should be understood that the non-reactive cover need not be rectangular, and could have other shapes. Brush 110 also has a magnet or metallic piece 112 within the plastic of the brush 110 that is also covered with a non-reactive cover 114, or is embedded in the brush 110. It should be understood that elements 104 and 112 are magnetically attractive to one another. Although described as magnets, both elements could be magnets, or one or the other a magnet while the other is a ferromagnetic element that is attracted to a magnet, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a brush 110 attached to the main body 102 at extension 108 by the combination of elements 104 and 112.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows greater detail of the brush 110, including one possible placement of the magnet/metal element 112 and the non-reactive cover 114. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the extension 108 extends above an upper lip 103 of the main body of bowl/container 102. This, plus the placement of the magnet 104, allows the brush 110 to be placed above any hair coloring material in the bowl 101 main body 102, with the bristles 116 not dipped into any hair coloring material, and not being compressed or otherwise damaged by having weight thereon. Further, the position of the brush above the hair coloring material allows excess hair coloring material (e.g., hair dye) to drip from the brush into the main body container 102. The magnet 104 is therefore high enough above the lip 103 of the main body container 102 of the bowl 101 that the brush 110 is completely or mostly out of the bowl 101. This allows the brush 110 to be kept as clean as possible while doing foiling, highlighting, coloring or doing balayage.

[0054] As shown in another embodiment in FIG. 3, a magnet may be positioned elsewhere in a container 300, although the position on the extension 108 above the container lip 103 of FIG. 2 allows for more advantageous positioning of the brush. For example, magnet 304 is placed inside a cavity 306 on the outside 302 of the bowl 300 where it is secured. As also shown in FIG. 3, magnet 310 is placed inside a cavity 312 on the inside 308 of the bowl where it is secured. [0055] Securing of magnets 304/310 may be by a screw-on cap, a snap-cap, or other nonreactive covering (not shown). Alternatively, the magnet 304/310 could also slip-into a pocket that is molded to the bowl. The magnet 304/310 can be encased in plastic and then glued to the plastic bowl. Regardless, the magnet 304/310 is protected by plastic or another substance which is not metal and is non-reactive with hair coloring.

[0056] The bowl 102 design with extension 108 that extends vertically above the upper lip 103 of the main body container 102 of the bowl 101 also keeps the brush above the lip 103 of the main body container 102 by arranging magnet 104 onto the container extension 108 of main body 102 above the upper lip 103. In this manner, a user can have complete control of how much product they want inside the main body portion of the bowl. In one embodiment, the bowl 101 is a rounded rectangular shape with the extension 108 being at an opposite end of the main body 102 as the a handle 109. The extension 108 contains the magnetic brush-mount 104/106 in this embodiment. The placement of the magnetic brush mount 104/106 is, in one embodiment, due to the position providing a greater stability of the bowl 101 with the extra weight of a brush 110 being attached opposite the handle 109 end. This positioning is also ergonomically correct and natural when applying color and returning the brush 110 to its proper place on the bowl 101.

[0057] As has been discussed, the metal (e.g., element 112) on the brush 110 that attracts the magnet 104/304/310 is also in one embodiment encased in plastic as described above. This element 112 may be molded into the brush 110 or positioned within a pocket of the brush 110, where the metal is placed, and which is covered by a plastic or other non-reactive material cover 114. Regardless of design, all metal of the bowl 101 and brush 110 is shielded from the hair-dye.

[0058] FIG 4 shows another embodiment 400 using a standard hair coloring bowl 401, with an attachment 402 that slides onto the bowl 400 from its bottom 403. Attachment 402 comprises, in one embodiment, an attachment frame 404 with an opening 406 sized to slide over the bottom 403 of the bowl 401, and upwards over main body 420 toward a lip 405 of the bowl 401, where tabs 407 or other attachment elements engage suitable corresponding openings or slots (not shown) in the bowl 401 to secure the attachment 402 to the bowl 401. Attachment 402 has an extension 408 that extends upward from the frame 404 and contains a magnet 410 with a non-reactive cover 412 such as elements 112/114 described above. In one embodiment, the extension 408 has a hinge 414 that is adjustable to different angles to allow for a brush 110 to be attached to the extension 408 at a desired or chosen angle. [0059] While the magnets and ferromagnetic elements described herein have been described as placed in openings with covers, or as embedded, it should be understood that different types of embedding may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, ultrasonic bonding, also known as sonic welding, may be used to embed a magnet or ferromagnetic element between two sheets of plastic. This provides a sealed-in magnet or ferromagnetic element that is not exposed to any hair colorant or the like.

[0060] FIGS. 5-11 show views of a design of a system 501 including bowl 500 and brush 550 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, having the design features shown therein.

[0061] FIG 5 is a perspective view of a system 501 having brush 550 and bowl 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the brush 550 and bowl 500 of FIG. 5.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the brush 550 and bowl 500 of FIG. 5.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view of the brush 550 and bowl 500 of FIG. 5.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a left side elevation view of the brush 550 and bowl 500 of FIG. 5.

[0066] FIG. 10 is a top elevation view of the brush and 550 bowl 500 of FIG. 5.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a bottom elevation view of the brush 550 and bowl 500 of FIG. 5.

[0068] System 501 comprising bowl 500 and brush 550 are shown in FIGS. 5-11. Brush bristles 552 extend from the brush handle 552, and may be of different stiffness in different brushes 550. Bowl 500 comprises main body 502 with extension 504 extending upward from an upper lip 503 of main body 502. Extension 504 includes a magnet opening 506 capable of housing and fully enclosing a magnet (not shown). The magnet may be completely enclosed within the opening 506 in extension 504 so as not to come into contact with hair dye materials. Enclosing in the opening 506 may include using a dover (not shown) or embedding the magnet into the extension in other ways. Brush (e.g., brush 550) is mountable to the extension 504 as shown above. Brush 550 is magnetically mountable on extension 504 that extends from main body 502 of bowl 500, via the magnet encased in the opening 506 or otherwise attached to the extension 504, and a ferromagnetic element 556 fully encased in a body of the brush 550.

[0069] Bowl 500 further comprises a handle 520 that extends from the main body 502 at an end opposite the extension 504. In one embodiment, handle 520 extends in an outward portion 522 substantially perpendicular to a top 514 of the main body 502, and then extends in a downward portion 524 toward a bottom of the bowl 500, with the downward portion 524 extending fully to a level equal to the bottom of the bowl, forming not only a handle, but a further stability element to reduce the chances of tipping of the bowl 500.

[0070] In one embodiment, bowl 500 further contains elements 508 that are suitable for causing the shedding of hair dye from a brush (e.g., brush 550). Elements 508 comprise in one embodiment a plurality of raised bumps 510 and rakes 512. Further, in one embodiment, the bowl 500 further comprises a plurality of ridges 526, the plurality of ridges 526 positioned on the extension 504 and in some cases into a part of the main body 502. The ridges 526 are configured in one embodiment to provide further support for the brush 550 by- providing a stop for slippage of the brush handle 552 when the brush 550 is placed in the storage position. The ridges in one embodiment extend to a same height at their respective tops, creating a level stop for slippage of the brush handle 552 when the brush 550 is placed in the storage position.

[0071] As has been mentioned, the magnet and ferromagnetic element 556 are isolated from contact with hair colorant by covers, embedding, or the like, including as discussed above sonic welding. In one embodiment, an additional magnet (not shown) may be placed on an outer portion of the bowl 500, placing the bowl between the second magnet and the brush, to provide additional holding power for the brush to the bowl. This second magnet may be encased in a non-reactive casing, such as plastic or the like.

[0072] FIGS. 12-18 show views of a design of the bowl 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, having the design features shown therein.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bowl 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the bowl 500 of FIG. 12.

[0075] FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the bowl 500 of FIG. 12.

[0076] FIG. 15 is a right side elevation view of the bowl 500 of FIG. 12.

[0077] FIG. 16 is a left side elevation view of the bowl 500 of FIG. 12.

[0078] FIG. 17 is a top elevation view of the bowl 500 of FIG. 12.

[0079] FIG. 18 is a bottom elevation view of the bowl 500 of FIG. 12.

[0080] FIG. 19 is a left side elevation view of a bowl 500 such as that of FIG. 12 with a rectangular magnet opening.

[0081] FIG. 20 shows a view of a non-slip ring 2000 that is fittable or attachable to a bottom of the bowls of the embodiments of the present disclosure, to prevent or reduce slippage of the bowls on a surface. FIG. 21 shows a bottom perspective view of a bowl 500 on which the non-slip ring 2000 is attached.

[0082] FIGS. 22-28 show views of a design of a system 2900 having bowl 2901 and brush 550 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, having the design features shown therein.

[0083] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a system 2900 having brush 550 and bowl 2901 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22.

[0085] FIG. 24 is a rear elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22.

[0086] FIG. 25 is a right side elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22.

[0087] FIG. 26 is a left side elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22.

[0088] FIG. 27 is a top elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22.

[0089] FIG. 28 is a bottom elevation view of the brush and bowl of FIG. 22.

[0090] FIGS. 29-35 show views of a design of the bowl 2901 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, having the design features shown therein.

[0091] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a bowl according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29.

[0093] FIG. 31 is a rear elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29.

[0094] FIG. 32 is a right side elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29.

[0095] FIG. 33 is a left side elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29.

[0096] FIG. 34 is a top elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29.

[0097] FIG. 35 is a bottom elevation view of the bowl of FIG. 29.

[0098] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a bowl according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] The bowls of FIGS. 22-35 include a rectangular magnet and magnet cover, as well as some additional features. Referring to FIG. 29, bowl 2901 is shown in perspective.

[00100] Bowl 2901 comprises in one embodiment a hair-color bowl 2901 that has a magnet opening (not shown) with a cover 2905 that is rectangular in shape to cover a magnet accommodated in the opening. The magnet cover 2905 may encase a magnet in plastic in a wall or extension (e.g., extension 504) of the bowl 2901. A magnet (not shown) is, in one embodiment, molded into the bowl 2901 in extension 504 which extends above the upper lip 2903 of main body container 502 of bowl 2901, and is covered by a non-reactive cover 2905, such as a screw-on cap, a snap-cap, or other non-reactive covering or the like. While shown as rectangular, it should be understood that the magnet opening and any cover 2905 need not be rectangular, and could have other shapes.

[00101] Bowl 2901 also includes wings 2910 that extend between upper lip 2903 of bowl 2900 and extension 504 on either side thereof. These wings 2910 serve to assist in placement of a brush and retention of and draining of hair coloring agent from a brush into the main body container 502 when a brush is in place on the extension 504. Further, to assist in handling of the bowl 2901, handle 520 has an indentation 2912 therein. The indentation may be seen more clearly in main body container 502 wings 2910 between the top rim 2903 of the bowl 2901 and the extension 504. The indentation 2912 is provided in one embodiment for ease in handling the bowl 2901.

[00102] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be reduced. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[00103] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without intending to limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description. [00104] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments employ more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments.

[00105] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.