TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to plush toys.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Plush toys are well known in the art and typically include a fabric or other material covering stuffed with a material such as stuffing fiber (e.g., polyester fiber or wool), stuffing pellets or a bladder that may comprise dough or a gel, for example. The toys may be shaped into a variety of objects or characters having circular, cylindrical or spherical body shapes or features. Plush toys are described in, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0048088 and U.S. Patent No. 7,237,347, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0003] Lenticular images are also well-known in the art. Lenticular images often contain one or more embedded images. The embedded image that shows depends on what angle the observer views the image from. These images may be attached to toys. For example, U.S. Patent App. No. 2012/0142250 (the ’250 publication), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, teaches an injection molded, single piece body portion having a head portion onto which a sticker having a lenticular image can be placed. “Ghosting,” or seeing parts of different embedded images at the same time in a lenticular image is a common issue in the art of lenticular images. However, ghosting is not discussed in the ’250 publication. In addition, the ‘250 publication is not directed to plush toys.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention provides a plush toy comprising an attached lenticular printed film as described herein.

[0005] In some embodiments, the plush toy comprises a plush toy head comprising a front, a rear, a thickness extending from the front to the rear, a top, a bottom, a height extending from the top to the bottom and perpendicular to the thickness, a vertical axis extending parallel to the height, a left side, a right side, a width extending from the left side to the right side and perpendicular to the thickness and height, a horizontal axis extending parallel to the width, an exterior surface comprising a front fabric panel and a rear fabric panel attached to the front fabric panel, and/or a plush toy head interior surrounded by the exterior surface and comprising a filling. Optionally, the exterior surface further comprises a lenticular printed film attached to the front fabric panel and comprising a first embedded image and a second embedded image. Optionally, the first image is different than the second image, the lenticular printed film is substantially flat, and/or each embedded image displays a pair of eyes.

[0006] Optionally, the front fabric panel is sewn to the rear fabric panel along a first seam extending about a perimeter of the plush toy head and the lenticular printed film is sewn to the front fabric panel along a second seam. [0007] Optionally, rotating the plush toy head about the vertical axis or the horizontal axis is configured to toggle the lenticular printed film between the first embedded image and second embedded image.

[0008] Optionally, the lenticular printed film is substantially free of ghosting as the lenticular printed film toggles between the first embedded image and second embedded image and/or when the plush toy is tilted vertically and/or horizontally.

[0009] Optionally, each embedded image in the lenticular printed film comprises a field of view comprising a horizontal component and a vertical component. Optionally, an observer can move about the field of view while still fully viewing the same embedded image. Optionally, the field of view for each embedded image is substantially the same size. Optionally, the shortest angle across the field of view is greater than the angle between any two hnes extending orthogonally from a front surface of the lenticular printed film. Optionally, rotating or tilting the plush toy head vertically about the horizontal axis toggles the lenticular printed film between the first embedded image and second embedded image. Optionally, the vertical component of the field of view is less than the horizontal component of the field of view for each embedded image. Optionally, the vertical component is the shortest angle across the field of view for each embedded image.

[0010] Optionally, rotating or tilting the plush toy head horizontally about the vertical axis toggles the lenticular printed film between the first embedded image and second embedded image. Optionally, the horizontal component of the field of view is less than the vertical component of the field of view for each embedded image. Optionally, the horizontal component is the shortest angle across the field of view for each embedded image.

[0011] Optionally, the pair of eyes in each embedded image remains present as the lenticular printed film toggles between the first embedded image and second embedded image.

[0012] Optionally, each embedded image of the lenticular printed film displays at least one facial feature such as a nose, a mouth, lips, teeth, freckles, eyelashes, and/or eyebrows.

[0013] Optionally, the lenticular printed film is centered on the front fabric panel and is surrounded by the front fabric panel.

[0014] Optionally, the front fabric panel surrounding the lenticular printed film is at least partially curved between the first seam and second seam.

[0015] Optionally, the second seam forms a plurahty of tension points between the front fabric panel and the lenticular printed film and/or each of the plurality of tension points is equally tensioned between the front fabric panel and the lenticular printed film to keep the lenticular printed film substantially flat. [0016] Optionally, the lenticular printed film comprises an inner surface facing the filling.

[0017] Optionally, at least a portion of the rear fabric panel is curved. [0018] Optionally, the rear fabric panel is divided into a left portion and a right portion connected by a third seam.

[0019] Optionally, the plush toy head bottom is substantially flat.

[0020] Optionally, the plush toy head bottom comprises a substantially flat bottom fabric panel connected to the front and rear fabric panels by seams. [0021] Optionally, the plush toy balances on a surface when the plush toy head bottom is in contact with the surface and the plush toy head height is substantially perpendicular to the surface.

[0022] Optionally, the plush toy further comprises a pair of legs extending downwardly from the first seam, a pair of arms extending laterally from the first seam, a pair of ears extending upwardly from the first seam, and/or a tail extending rearwardly from the rear panel.

[0023] Optionally, the legs, arms, or ears comprise a film coating.

[0024] Optionally, the legs/feet have a raised configuration and a hanging configuration; wherein the legs/feet are in the raised configuration when the plush toy is set on a surface with the plush toy head height perpendicular to the surface; and further wherein the legs/feet are in the hanging configuration when the plush toy is not set on a surface with the plush toy head height perpendicular to the surface or when the plush toy is set on a surface with the legs hanging off of an edge of the surface.

[0025] Optionally, the plush toy has a relaxed configuration and a deformed configuration; wherein the plush toy may move from the relaxed configuration to the deformed configuration by deforming the plush toy; and/or wherein the plush toy is elastic and/or spontaneously returns from the deformed configuration to the relaxed configuration.

[0026] Optionally, the filling is a fiber filling and/or is a pellet filling.

[0027] Optionally, the filling substantially fills the interior.

[0028] Optionally, the filling apphes an outward pressure to the exterior surface of the plush toy head and optionally the force apphed to the lenticular printed film is less than the force required to bend the lenticular printed film. [0029] Optionally, the lenticular printed film comprises a third embedded image.

[0030] In still further embodiments, the plush toy may include a plush toy head comprising a front, a rear, a thickness extending from the front to the back, a top, a bottom, a height extending from the top to the bottom and perpendicular to the thickness, a vertical axis extending parallel to the height, a left side, a right side, a width extending from the left side to the right side and perpendicular to the thickness and height, a horizontal axis extending parallel to the width, an exterior surface comprising a front face and a rear face, and/or an interior surrounded by the exterior surface and comprising a filling.

[0031] Optionally, the front face comprises a lenticular printed film comprising a first embedded image and a second embedded image, wherein the first embedded image is different than the second embedded image, and the lenticular printed film is substantially flat.

[0032] Optionally, the plush toy head further comprises a front panel comprising the front face and lenticular printed film and a rear panel comprising the rear face, the front panel further comprising a front end, a rear edge, a depth extending from the front end to the rear edge and parallel to the plush toy head length; the rear panel further comprising a front edge, a rear end, a depth extending from the front edge to the rear end and parallel to the plush toy head length; and/or wherein the ratio of the front panel depth to the rear panel depth is at least 1:2.

[0033] Optionally, the front panel rear edge is adjacent to the rear panel front edge; wherein the front panel rear edge is attached to the rear face front edge by a first seam; and/or wherein the plush toy head height and or plush toy head width are at their maximum where the front panel rear edge rear panel and rear panel front edge meet.

[0034] Optionally, the front panel further comprises an outer portion and a substantially flat inner portion, the outer portion extending around the inner portion and the inner portion comprises the lenticular printed film; and/or the lenticular printed film extends substantially across the inner portion of the front panel.

[0035] Optionally, the outer portion of the front panel is annular in shape; and/or wherein the inner portion of the front face is circular in shape.

[0036] Optionally, the outer portion of the front panel is sewn to the inner portion of the front panel along a second seam; wherein the seam between the outer and inner portions of the front panel forms a plurahty of tension points between the outer and inner portions of the front panel; and/or wherein each of the plurality of tension points is equally tensioned between the outer and inner portions of the front panel to produce a substantially flat inner portion.

[0037] Optionally, the plush toy includes one or more features described in Paragraphs 0005-0029 above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a front top side perspective view of a plush toy of one embodiment of the present invention; in FIG. 1, the plush toy head is in the relaxed position and the legs/feet are in the raised position.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the plush toy of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a right side, elevation view of the plush toy of FIG.

1.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear elevation view of the plush toy of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a left side elevation view of the plush toy of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a right side, perspective view of a plush toy of another embodiment of the present invention; in FIG. 6, the plush toy has a pair of ears extending upwardly from the first seam and a tail extending rearwardly from the rear panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] With reference to FIGs. 1-6, the present invention provides a plush toy 10 comprising an attached lenticular printed film 12. Preferably, the plush toy 10 includes a plush toy head 20. In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each of the drawings for the sake of clarity. FIGs. 1-6 are drawn generally to scale, however, it will be appreciated that other dimensions are possible.

[0045] As shown in FIGs. 1-6, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provided a plush toy 10 comprising a lenticular printed film 12. The plush toy may comprise a plush toy head 20 comprising a front 22, a rear 24, a thickness 26 extending from the front 22 to the rear 24, a top 28, a bottom 30, a height 32 extending from the top 28 to the bottom 30 and perpendicular to the thickness 26, a left side 34, a right side 36, and/or a width 38 extending from the left side 34 to the right side 36 and perpendicular to the thickness 26 and height 32. The plush toy head 20 may further comprise a vertical axis 40 extending parallel to the height 32 and a horizontal axis 42 extending parallel to the width 38. Additionally, the plush toy 10 may comprise an exterior surface 44 comprising a front panel 46 and a rear panel 48. The plush toy may also include an interior that is surrounded by the exterior surface 44 and comprises a filling.

[0046] The rear panel 48 may be sewn to the front panel 46 by a first seam 50 extending about a perimeter of the plush toy head 20. Alternatively, instead of being sewn, the rear panel 48 may be glued or fabric welded to the front panel 46. [0047] Preferably, the front and rear panel 46,48, except for the lenticular printed film 12, are made of fabric.

[0048] In some embodiments that include seams, the tension in the first seam 50 may be between about 100 and about 140 N-m between the front and rear fabric panels 46,48. For example, about 120 N-m of force between the front and rear fabric panels 46,48 is preferred. It will be appreciated that the aforementioned measurements, like all measurements provided in this description, are exemplary.

[0049] The front panel 46 may further comprise a front end 76, a rear edge 78, a depth 80 extending from the front end 76 to the rear edge 78 and parallel to the plush toy head thickness 26. The rear panel 48 may further comprise a front edge 82, a rear end 84, a depth 86 extending from the front edge 82 to the rear end 84 and parallel to the plush toy head thickness 26. Optionally, the ratio of the front panel depth 80 to the rear panel depth 86 is at least about 1:2 (e.g., 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, etc.). Preferably, the ratio of the front panel depth 80 to the rear panel depth 86 is between about 1:2 and about 1:3.

[0050] In some embodiments, the exterior surface 44 further comprises a lenticular printed film 12 attached (e.g., sewn, glued or fabric welded) to the front panel 46 along, for example, a second seam 52. The lenticular printed film 12 may include a first embedded image 14A and a second embedded image 14B. The lenticular printed film 12 may also be referred to as a lenticular image. Preferably, the first embedded image 14A and the second embedded image 14B are different, as shown between FIGs. 1 and 2. Preferably, the lenticular printed film 12 is substantially flat. Preferably, the lenticular printed film 12 and/or the embedded images 14A,14B in the lenticular printed film 12 display a pair of eyes. [0051] In one preferred embodiment, the plush toy head width 38 and height 32 are approximately 8 inches and the thickness is approximately 5 inches. In another preferred embodiment, the plush toy head width 38 and height 32 are approximately 12 inches and the thickness is approximately 5 inches. Without being bound to any particular theory, these dimensions are ideal for keeping the lenticular printed film 12 flat. Optionally, the plush toy head width 38 and height 32 are substantially equal. It will be understood that all dimensions and measurements provided herein are exemplary and that other dimensions and measurements are possible.

[0052] Optionally, rotating or tilting the plush toy head 20 horizontally about the vertical axis 40 toggles the lenticular printed film 12 between the first embedded image 14A and second embedded image 14B. This may be referred to as horizontal flip. Optionally, rotating or tilting the plush toy head 20 vertically about the horizontal axis 42 toggles the lenticular printed film 12 between the first embedded image 14A and second embedded image 14B. This may be referred to as vertical flip. In other words, whether the first embedded image 14A or the second embedded image 14B is visible to a stationary observer depends upon the orientation of the lenticular printed film 12 about the vertical and/or horizontal axis 40,42. Preferably, for a horizontal flip lenticular printed film 12, rotating or tilting the plush toy head 20 vertically about the horizontal axis 42 does not toggle the embedded image between the first embedded image 14A and second embedded image 14B. Preferably, for a vertical flip lenticular printed film 12, rotating or tilting the plush toy head 20 horizontally about the vertical axis 40 does not toggle the embedded image between the first embedded image 14A and second embedded image 14B. Preferably, the lenticular printed film 12 is horizontal flip or vertical flip but not both.

[0053] Preferably, the lenticular printed film 12 is substantially free of ghosting. Ghosting in the field of lenticular images 12 refers to when part of both a first and second embedded image 14A,14B are visible simultaneously. Optionally, the lenticular printed film 12 is substantially free of ghosting when the lenticular printed film 12 is stationary and/or when the lenticular printed film is rotated about the horizontal and/or vertical axis 40,42. Without being bound to any particular theory, the flatness of the lenticular printed film 12 helps to minimize or eliminate any ghosting effect in the lenticular printed film 12. There may be a transition phase when the lenticular printed film 12 is toggled between the first and second embedded image 14A,14B where both the first and second embedded image 14A,14B are visible. However, the transition phase is inherent in all lenticular printed films and is different from the ghosting effect because there is typically a distinct boundary between the first and second embedded image 14A,14B in the transition phase.

[0054] Each embedded image 14A,14B in the lenticular printed film 12 may comprise a field of view. The field of view is the area about which an observer may move while still fully seeing only one of the embedded images 14A,14B. The field of view has a horizontal component and a vertical component. The field of view as well as the horizontal and vertical components may be expressed as angles. When the lenticular printed film 12 is horizontal flip, the horizontal component of the field of view may be less than the vertical component of the field of view for each embedded image 14A,14B and/or the horizontal component may be the shortest angle across the field of view for each embedded image 14A,14B. When the lenticular printed film 12 is vertical flip, the vertical component of the field of view may be less than the vertical component of the field of view for each embedded image 14A,14B and/or the vertical component may be the shortest angle across the field of view for each embedded image 14A,14B. Preferably, the field of view for the first embedded image 14A is substantially the same size as the field of view for the second embedded image 14B with respect to the horizontal and/or vertical components.

[0055] Preferably, the shorter of the horizontal and vertical components of the field of view for each embedded image 14A,14B is greater than the angle between any two lines extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface 44 of the lenticular printed film 12. For example, if the angle between two lines extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface 44 of a horizontal-flip lenticular printed film 12 may be 15 degrees, then the horizontal component of the field of view for the embedded images 14A,14B is at least 16 degrees or greater. Optionally, the shorter of the horizontal and vertical components of the field of view for each embedded image 14A,14B is greater than the angle between any two lines extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface 44 of the lenticular printed film 12 by about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees.

[0056] Optionally, the lenticular printed film 12 may display any combination of facial features 16 including but not limited to eyes, a nose, a mouth, lips, teeth, freckles, eyelashes, and/or eyebrows. Preferably, the lenticular printed film displays a pair of eyes 16A. Optionally, the pair of eyes 16A remains present as the lenticular printed film 12 toggles between the first embedded image 14A and second embedded image 14B.

[0057] In some embodiments, the lenticular printed film 12 is centered on the front panel 46 and is surrounded by the front panel 46. In such cases, the front panel 46 surrounding the lenticular printed film 12 is preferably at least partially curved between the first seam 50 and second seam 52. Optionally, the second seam 52 forms a plurality of tension points between the front panel 46 and the lenticular printed film 12 and/or each of the plurahty of tension points is equally tensioned between the front fabric panel 46 and the lenticular printed film 12 to keep the lenticular printed film 12 substantially flat. Optionally, the tension points and or threads in the second seam provide between about 80 and about 120 N-m of force between the lenticular printed film 12 and the front panel 46 and preferably about 100 N-m of force between the lenticular printed film 12 and the front panel 46. It will be understood that all dimensions and measurements provided herein are exemplary and that other dimensions and measurements are possible.

[0058] Optionally, the lenticular printed film 12 comprises an inner surface facing the filhng. Optionally, at least a portion of the rear fabric panel 48 is curved. Optionally, the exterior surface 44 of the rear panel 48 is divided into a left portion 49A and a right portion 49B connected at least partially by a third seam 54. Optionally, the tension in the third seam 50 is between 100 and 140 N-m between the left and right portions 49A,49B of the rear panel 48 and is preferably about 120 N-m of force between the left and right portions 49A,49B of the rear panel 48. Optionally, the lenticular printed film 12 comprises a third and/or fourth embedded image. [0059] In some cases, the plush toy head bottom 30 is preferably substantially flat. In such cases, the plush toy head bottom 30 may comprise a substantially flat bottom fabric panel connected to the front and rear fabric panels 46,48 at least partially by seams. Optionally, the plush toy 10 is configured to balance on a flat surface 60 when the plush toy head bottom 30 is in contact with the flat surface 60 and the plush toy head height 32 is substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 60. Optionally, when a tail 71 is present, the tail 71 may help the toy balance.

[0060] In some embodiments, the plush toy 10 may further comprise appendages in the form of a pair of legs and/or feet 62 extending downwardly from the first seam 50, a pair of arms and/or hands 70 extending laterally from the first seam 50, a tail 71 extending rearwardly from the rear panel, and/or horns, antlers, and/or a pair of ears 72 extending upwardly from the first seam 50. Optionally, the legs/feet 62, arms/hands 70, tail 71, and/or antlers/horns/ears 72 are a different fabric from the front and rear panels and/or comprise a film, such as a coating or foil, on top of the fabric. For example, the legs/feet 62, arms/hands 70, tail 71, and/or antlers/horns/ears 72 may be made of a plush foil fabric. Optionally, the film may have a pattern or color that differs from the pattern or color of the plush toy head 20. Optionally, the film may be reflective/sparkly. For embodiments having legs/feet 62, the legs/feet 62 optionally have a top 64, a bottom 66, a length 68 extending from the top 64 to the bottom 66, a raised configuration 69A, and a hanging configuration.

[0061] Preferably, the leg/feet length 68 extends perpendicular to the plush toy head height 32 in the raised configuration 69A and extends perpendicular to the plush toy head thickness 26 in the hanging configuration. As shown in FIGs. 1-2, the legs/feet 62 may be in the raised configuration 69A when the plush toy 10 is set on a surface 60 with the plush toy head height 32 perpendicular to the surface 60. The legs/feet 62 may be in the hanging configuration when the plush toy 10 is not set on a surface 60 or when the plush toy 10 is set on a surface 60 with the legs/feet 62 hanging off of an edge of the surface 60. The hanging configuration for the legs/feet 62 is not shown in the drawings. [0062] Optionally, the plush toy head front and rear panels 46,48 may be made of a different material than any one or all of the appendages 62,70,71,72, and plush toy head front and rear panels 46,48 and appendages 62,70,71,72 may be a different material than the lenticular printed film 12. For example, in one embodiment, the plush toy head front and rear panels 46,48 may be a spandex soft velboa fabric. The lenticular printed film 12 may be made of PVC, and the appendages 62,70,71,72 may be a foil plush fabric.

[0063] Optionally, the plush toy 10 has a relaxed configuration 74 and a deformed configuration. Preferably, the plush toy 10 is in the relaxed configuration 74 when it is at rest and/or the relaxed configuration is the default configuration. The plush toy 10 may move from the relaxed configuration 74 to the deformed configuration when a user deforms the plush toy 10. A user can deform the plush toy 10 using any combination of compressive or tensile forces including squeezing, hugging, pulhng, pressing, or folding. Preferably, the plush toy 10 is elastic and/or spontaneously returns from the deformed configuration to the relaxed configuration 74.

[0064] In some cases, the filling is a fiber filling or a pellet filling. Preferably, the filling substantially completely fills the interior. The filling may apply an outward pressure/force to the exterior surface 44 of the plush toy 10. Preferably, the force applied to the lenticular printed film 12 is less than the force required to bend the lenticular printed film 12. In one embodiment, the filling is polyester fiber size 7d x 32 mm. Alternatively, the filhng may be in the form of a dough or gell that may be contained within a bladder.

[0065] Stated differently, FIGs. 1-6 illustrate a plush toy 10 comprising a plush toy head 20. The plush toy head 20 comprising a front 22, a rear 24, a thickness 26 extending from the front 22 to the rear 24, a top 28, a bottom 30, a height 32 extending from the top 28 to the bottom 30 and perpendicular to the thickness 26, a vertical axis 40 extending parallel to the height 32, a left side 34, a right side 36, a width 38 extending from the left side 34 to the right side 36 and perpendicular to the thickness 26 and height 32, a horizontal axis 42 extending parallel to the width 38, an exterior surface 44 comprising a front face 45 and a rear face 47, and an interior surrounded by the exterior surface 44 and comprising a filling. Optionally, the front face 45 may comprise a lenticular printed film 12 comprising a first embedded image 14A and a second embedded image 14B. Preferably, the first embedded image 14A is different than the second embedded image 14B and/or the lenticular printed film 12 is substantially flat.

[0066] Optionally, the plush toy head 20 further comprises a front panel 46 comprising the front face 45 and the lenticular printed film 12 and a rear panel 48 comprising the rear face 47. The front panel 46 may further comprise a front end 76, a rear edge 78, a depth 80 extending from the front end 76 to the rear edge 78 and parallel to the plush toy head thickness 26. The rear panel 48 may further comprise a front edge 82, a rear end 84, a depth 86 extending from the front edge 82 to the rear end 84 and parallel to the plush toy head thickness 26. Optionally, the ratio of the front panel depth 80 to the rear panel depth 86 is at least about 1:2 (e.g., 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, etc.). Preferably, the ratio of the front panel depth 80 to the rear panel depth 86 is between about 1:2 and about 1:3. Preferably, the front and rear panel 46,48, except for the lenticular printed film 12, are made of fabric. Optionally, the front panel 46 and rear panel 48 may be one continuous piece of material or two discrete pieces.

[0067] In some cases, the front panel 46 further comprises an outer portion 88 and a substantially flat inner portion 90. Optionally, the outer portion 88 extends around the inner portion 90, the inner portion 90 comprises the lenticular printed film 12, and/or the lenticular printed film 12 extends substantially across the inner portion 90 of the front panel 46. Preferably, the outer portion 88 of the front panel 46 is annular in shape, the inner portion 90 of the front panel 46 is circular in shape, and/or the inner portion 90 is centered within the outer portion 88. Optionally, the outer portion 88 of the front face 45 is connected to the inner portion 90 of the front face 45 by a second seam 52.

[0068] It will be understood that the plush toy described in Paragraphs 0065-0067 is similar to the plush toy described in Paragraphs 0044-0064. Stated differently, Paragraphs 0065-0067 do not describe a different invention but merely describe the same invention differently. Thus, the features described in Paragraphs 0044-0064 also may be included in the design described in Paragraphs 0065-0067 and vice versa. [0069] Part List

[0070] Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, the steps of any method described herein may be performed in any suitable order and steps may be performed simultaneously if needed.

[0071] Terms of degree such as “generally”, "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ± 5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.