GB2448856A

GB2448856A - Toy having body which expands when immersed in water.

Info

Publication number: GB2448856A
Application number: GB0708612A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Grossman
Original assignee: H Grossman Ltd
Current assignee: H Grossman Ltd
Priority date: 2007-05-04
Filing date: 2007-05-04
Publication date: 2008-11-05
Also published as: GB0708612D0; WO2008135751A9; WO2008135751A3; WO2008135751A2

Abstract

An apparatus is provided, in particular a toy 5a, comprising an openably closable container 10a and at least one body 15a contained within it. The body at least partially comprises a material which expands when immersed in water. The body is preferably formed from a water absorbing material, in particular a superabsorbent hydrogel polymer, and is preferably larger than the container aperture to avoid the body escaping from the container and being swallowed. The container may comprise a jar with a lid portion 20a and is preferably transparent. In one embodiment, the body may be formed with a shell or cocoon (45j, Fig. 10a), the shell being soluble and containing within it the expanding material portion.

Description

IMPROVED TOY

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus such as toys, and in particular, though not exclusively, to an improved toy which increases in size or grows" when immersed in liquid, particularly water.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Toys comprising a liquid absorbent body which increases in size when immersed in liquid are known.

However, a problem with such toys is that the body or at least part thereof, may accidentally be swallowed, e.g. by a child, baby or toddler, or by an animal, such as a household pet. When swallowed the body will absorb body fluids and expand, thereby potentially leading to blockages within the body of the person or animal, e.g. in air ways, digestive track, or elsewhere. Such blockages can be very dangerous, and indeed can be fatal.

Toys of a chemistry set or laboratory nature are also known. However, such suffer from problems, e.g. of using possibly dangerous or undesirable materials and/or of being messy.

4. . .L It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to seek to obviate or at least mitigate one or more disadvantages in the prior art, such as those mentioned hereinbef ore.

SU1ARY OF INVENTION One or more problems in the prior art are addressed by providing the general solution of a liquid/watr absorbent body entrapped within and/or attached to a container, the container having means for providing liquid/water to the body.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus or a toy comprising: an openably closable container and at least one body or object contained or entrapped therein, wherein the at least one body or object at least partly comprises a material which expands when immersed in a liquid or in water.

The container may comprise or be in the shape of a jar, specimen jar or test tube or other container typically found in a laboratory or the like.

The container may comprise a main body portion and a lid portion or cap. The main body portion and lid portion may be retained or fixed in liquid sealing 4.

engagement with one another, e.g. by sealing/retention means such as adhesive or heat welding means.

By this arrangement the main body portion and lid portion are not intended to be separable from one another, in use.

The container, e.g. the main body portion, may be at least partly transparent, and preferably substantially wholly transparent.

The container, e.g. the main body portion, may be made from a polymeric material.

The lid portion may be at least partly transparent, translucent or opaque.

The lid portion may be made from a polymeric material.

The container, e.g. the lid portion, may comprise an openably closable aperture. The aperture may be openably closable by means of a closure member.

In one implementation the closure member may comprise a body having a helical thread portion capable of co-acting with a further helical thread portion provided in the aperture. The closure member may be made from a polymeric material, e.g. the same polymeric material as the lid portion.

In another implementation the closure member may comprise a resilient stopper or bung capable of being a 4 removably and insertably retained within the aperture.

The stopper may be made from rubber or the like.

The at least one body may be in the shape of a body part, e.g. a head or the like or an internal organ.

The at least one body may be in the shape of a human figure, animal figure or humanoid or alien figure. The animal figure may comprise a snake, sea creature, fish, reptile, dinosaur, insect or the like.

The at least one body may comprise a liquid or water absorbing material.

The liquid or water absorbing material may comprise a polymer or polymeric material.

The at least one body may at least partly comprise a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) or free radical, cross-linked polymer, or hydrogel optionally provided with/in a binder material.

The at least one body may preferably at least partly comprise an acrylic-based water-absorbent resin, or alternatively, a sodium salt polymer of polyacrylic acid.

The at least one body may be larger than the aperture when the body has expanded, in use. In this way the at least one body is entrapped within the container.

Further, and preferably, the at least one body may be larger than the aperture prior to expansion of the body. In this way the at least one body is entrapped within the container.

The toy may further comprise means for positioning the at least one body within the container and/or means for retaining the at least one body and the container together.

The positioning means may act to prevent the at least one body from collapsing or migrating towards a base of the container. The positioning means may act to position the at least one body at least when expanded (though preferably also prior to expansion) in a desired position and/or vertical orientation.

The positioning means may comprise means for hanging the at least one object within the container.

The positioning means may comprise a length of polymeric thread or tubing, e.g. hollow thread or tubing.

One end of the positioning means may be retained in association with the at least one body.

Another end of the positioning means may be retained in association with the container, e.g. the lid portion, or with the closure member.

In use, the closure mernter may be removed, liquid (preferably water) is added to the container to at least partially immerse the at least one body, and the aperture reclosed by the closure member. Dependent upon the absorbency of the at least one body, the capacity of the container, and the amount of liquid added, the at least one body will expand or swell, preferably leaving substantially no (unabsorbed) liquid in the container.

In a modification the apparatus or toy may also comprise at least one shell or cocoon within which the at least one body is contained.

Preferably the shell or cocoon is provided within the container.

The shell or cocoon may be liquid, e.g. water, soluble/dissoluble.

Possible compositions of the shell or cocoon may comprise or include either a dissolving compound or an effervescing compound and may further include a binder.

The dissolving compound may comprise: mannitol, calcium phosphates, dibasic calcium phosphates, cellulosic salts such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cyclodextrine, laevulose, maltitol, polydextrose, sucrose, glucose, inulin, sorbitol or xylitol.

The effervescing compound may comprise: a mixture of a carbonate such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate with an acid such as citric acid or tartaric acid.

The binders compound may comprise: polyvinylpyrrolidones, methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose and other cellulose materials, e.g. sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxypropyl cellulose, or gums, e.g. xanthan gum, guar gum, arabic gum, carrageenan, and, in particular, gellan gum.

The shell or cocoon may be in the shape of a human figure, animal figure or humanoid or alien.

In one embodiment the shell or cocoon may be in the shape of a frog.

In said embodiment the at least one body may be in the shape of a human, e.g. a "prince".

Thus, in use, by adding liquid/water to the container the frog shell may be caused to dissolve, revealing the human figure inside which absorbs liquid/water and expands or grows.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a toy comprising a container, a liquid absorbent body entrapped within the container, and means for adding liquid to the container.

Each of the features of the first aspect of the present invention may be provided in the second aspect, whether alone or in combination.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus or a toy comprising: at least one body at least partly comprising a material 4.

which expands when immersed in a liquid or water, a container, and means for retaining the at least one body in association with the container.

The at least one body may be entrapped within the container.

The retaining means may comprise means for positioning the at least one body within the container.

Each of the features of the first and/or second aspects of the present invention may be provided in the third aspect, whether alone or in combination.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided in combination a liquid/water absorbent body contained within a liquid/water soluble/dissoluble shell or cocoon.

The liquid/water absorbent body may be made of the relevant materials hereinbefore disclosed.

The liquid/water soluble/dissoluble shell or cocoon may be made of the relevant materials hereinbefore disclosed.

The combination may comprise a toy per se or part of an apparatus or toy, e.g. an apparatus or toy according to the aforementioned aspects of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be given by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: Fig,ire 1(a) a front view of a toy according to a first embodiment of the present invention prior to use (expansion); Figure 1(b) a front view of the toy of Figure 1(a), in use; Figure 2(a) a front view of a toy according to a second embodiment of the present invention prior to use (expanded); Figure 2(b) a dis-assernbled view of the toy of Figure 2(a) prior to use; Figure 2(c) a front view of the toy of Figure 2(a) in use (expanded); Figure 2(d) a dis-assembled view of the toy of Figure 2(c); Figure 3(a) a front view of a toy according to the third embodiment of the present invention prior to use (expansion); Figure 3(b) a front view of the toy of Figure 3(a), in use; Figure 3(c) a top view of the toy of Figure 3(a) with a stopper removed; Figure 3(d) a top view of the toy of Figure 3(a) with a stopper inserted; Figure 4(a) a front view of a packaged toy according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention prior to use (expansion); Figure 4(b) a rear view of the packaged toy of Figure 4(a); Figure 5 a front view of a toy according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in use (expanded); Figure 6 a front view of a toy according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in use (expanded); Figure 7 a front view of a toy according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in use (expanded); Figure 8 a front view of a toy according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, in use (expanded); Figure 9(a) a schematic front view of a toy according to a ninth embodiment cf the present invention in use (expanded); Figure 9(b) a schematic front view of a modification of the toy of Figure 9(a) in use (expanded); Figure 10(a) a front view of a toy according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention prior to use, together with accompanying packaging; and Figure 10(b) a perspective view from the top and to the front of the toy of Figure 10(a)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring initially to Figure 1(a) there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 5a, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, prior to use, i.e. prior to the addition of water and subs equent expansion.

The toy 5a comprises an openably closable container lOa and at least one body or object 15a contained therein, wherein the at least one body or object 15a at least partly comprises a material which expands when immersed in, or added to, a liquid.

In this embodiment the container lOa comprises a jar, or specimen jar. The container lOa comprises a main body portion 15a and a lid portion 20a. The main body portion l5a and lid portion 20a are retained or fixed in liquid sealing engagement with one another, e.g. by retention means such as adhesive means or heat welding.

By this arrangement the main body portion 15a and lid portion 20a are not intended to be separable from one another, in use.

The container lOa, or at least the main body portion 15a is at least partly transparent and preferably substantially wholly transparent. The container lOa, or at least the main body portion 15a is made from a polymeric material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

The lid portion 20a in this embodiment is at least partly transparent.

The lid portion 20a is also made from a polymeric material -in this embodiment the same material as that of the main body portion l5a.

The container l0a comprises an openably closable aperture 25a. The aperture 25a is openably closable by means of a closure member 30a.

In this embodiment the closure member 30a comprises a body having a helical thread portion 35a capable of co-acting with a further helical thread portion 40a provided in the aperture 25a. The closure member 30a made from a polymeric material 15, in this embodiment, the same polymeric material as the lid portion 20a.

The at least one body 15a is in the shape of a body part, i.e. a head. However, it will be appreciated that in modifications or alternative embodiments the at least one body may be in the shape of another body part, or an internal organ. Alternatively, the at least one body can be in the shape of a human figure, animal figure or humanoid or alien figure. The animal figure can comprise a snake, sea creature, fish, reptile, dinosaur, insect or the like.

The at least one body l5a comprises a liquid or water absorbing material. The liquid or water absorbing material 15a comprises a polymer or polymeric material.

The at least one body 15a at least partly comprises a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) or free radical, cross-linked polymer, or hydrogel. For example, the at least one body can at least partly comprise an acrylic-based water absorbent resin or a sodium salt polymer of polyacrylic acid.

In a preferred implementation the at least one body 15a comprises: a binder, a SAP, a surfactant and a pigment colouring. For example, the at least one body comprises: Function Material Binder EVA Ethylene-Vinyl acetate 60 Co polymer SAP Acrylic based water-35 absorbent resin Surfactant Zinc Sterate 4 Pigment 1 Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are free radical, cross-linked polymers able to absorb water at a multiple of several times their own mass, forming a gel. (See www.wikipedia.org). Classified as a hydrogels, these polymers absorb aqueous solutions through hydrogen bonding with water. SAPs ability to absorb water is a factor of the ionic concentration of an aqueous solution.

In deionised and distilled water, SAP may absorb 500 times its weight, but when put into a 0.9% saline solution, the absorbency drops to maybe 50 times weight.

The presence valent cations in solution will impede the polymers ability to bond with the water molecule.

Superabsorbent polymers are most commonly made from the polymerization of acrylic acid blended with sodium hydroxide in the presents of an intiator to form a sodium & ,.

salt polymer of polyacrylic acid. This polymer is the most common type of SAP made. Other materials can be used to make a superabsorbent polymer form compounds such as, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxy-methyl-cellulose, polyvynyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer to name a few.

Superabsorbent polymers are made using one of two primary methods; suspension polymerisation or solution polymerisation. Solution based polymerization is the most common process presently used to made SAP. This process is efficient and generally has a lower cost base.

However, the suspension process offers a higher degree of control and product engineering during polymerization.

This is because the primary polymer particle is formed in the reaction rather than outside it as with the solution process.

The total absorbency and swelling capacity are controlled by the type and degree of cross-linking to the polymer. Low density cross-linked SAPs have higher absorbent capacities and swell to a larger degree. These products also have a softer and more cohesive type gel formation. High cross-link density polymers exhibit lower absorbent capacity and swell. The gel strength is firmer and can maintain particle shape even under modest pressure.

As can be seen from the figures, the at least one body 15a is larger than the aperture 25a when the body has expanded, in use. In this way the at. least one body 15a is entrapped within the container lOa.

Further, as can be seen from the figures, the at least one body 15a is larger than the aperture 25a prior to expansion of the body 15a. In this way the at least one body is entrapped within the container, prior to expansion. This addresses at least one of the

aforementioned problem in the prior art.

In use, the closure member 30a is removed, liquid/water is added to the container lOa to at least partially immerse the at least one body 5a, and the aperture 25a reclosed by the closure member 30a.

Dependent upon the absorbency of the at least one body 15a, the capacity of the container lOa, and the amount of liquid added, the at least one body 15a will expand or swell, possibly leaving substantially no (unabsorbed) liquid in the container lOa.

Alternatively, sufficient liquid/water can be added to expand or swell the at least one body iSa and to at least partially fill the container l0a with liquid/water.

By this arrangement the body 15a can be sought to be prevented from drying out. Further or alternatively, the body 15a can appear to be suspended in the liquid/water in an analogous manner to which objects are preserved in formaldehyde or the like.

Referring now to Figures 2(a) to 2(d) there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 5b, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The toy 5b is similar in many respects to the toy 5a of the first embodiment, like parts being designated by like numerals, but suffixed b".

The toy 5b differs from the toy 5a in that the toy 5b comprises means 35b for positioning the at least one body 15b within the container lOb. The positioning means 4lb comprises means for hanging the at least one body 15b within the container lOb. The positioning means 4lb comprises a length of polymeric thread or tubing, e.g. hollow thread or tubing. One end 42b of the positioning means 41b is retained in association with the at least one body l5b. For example, the body 15b can be provided with an aperture (not shown), and the one end 420b retained therein by a knot (not shown) on the one end 42b.

Another end 43b of the positioning means 4lb is retained in association with the container lOb, the lid portion 20b, and/or the closure member 30b. In this case the end 43b is entrapped between the ld portion 20b and the closure member 30b, or in a modification between the container lOb and the lid portion 20b or within the closure member 30b.

Referring now to Figures 3(a) to 3(d) there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The toy 5c is similar in many respects to the toy 5a of the first embodiment, like parts being designated by like numerals, but suffixed "c".

The toy 5c differs from the toy 5a in that the container lOc comprises a test tube shape. Further, the body 15c is in the shape of an animal, i.e. a stingray.

Also, in this embodiment the above member 30c comprises a resilient stopper or bung capable of being removably and insertably retained within the aperture 25c. The stopper is suitably made from a resilient material such as rubber.

Also, in this embodiment the lid portion 20c is opaque. The lid portion 20c is made from a polymer material, e.g. polyacrylonitrile.

Referring now to Figure 4(a) and 4(b) there is shown a apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated Sd, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The toy 5d is similar in many respects to the * * -19 toy 5a of the first embodiment, and to the toy 5c of the third embodiment, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but suffixed "a".

In this embodiment the body 15d is in the shape of a human or humanoid or alien. Packaging 44d is provided.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 5e, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The toy 5e is similar in many respects to the toy 5a of the first embodiment, and the toy 5c of the third embodiment, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but suffixed "e".

In this embodiment the body 15e is in the shape of a snake or reptile.

Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 5f, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The toy Sf is similar in many respects to the toy Sa of the first embodiment, the toy 5b of the second embodiment, and the toy 5e of the fifth embodiment, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but suffixed f".

In this embodiment positioning means 3Sf are provided.

Referring now to Figure 7 there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 5g, according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The toy 5g is similar in many respects to the toy 5a of the first embodiment, the toy 5c of the third embodiment, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but suffixed "g".

In this embodiment the body 15g is in the shape of a human or humanoid or alien.

Referring now to Figure 8 there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 5h, according to a eighth embodiment of the present invention. The toy 5h is similar in many respects to the toy 5a of the first embodiment, the toy 5b of the second embodiment, and the toy 5g of the seventh embodiment, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but suffixed "h' In this embodiment positioning means 35h are provided.

Referring now to Figure 9(a) there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 51, according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

The toy 51 is similar in many respects to the toy 5a of the first embodiment, and the toy 5g of the seventh embodiment, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but suffixed i".

A problem can be seen from Figure 9(a) in that, in use, particularly when expanded, the body 151 tends to slump to the bottom of the container 10 .

To address such problem in the modification shown in Figure 9(b) positioning and retaining means 35iare provided. Such allow the body 15 to hang within the container 10 such that the body 15i can be better viewed or inspected.

Ref erring now to Figure 10(a) there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 5j, according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

The toy 5j is similar in many respects to the toys 5a - 51 of the preceding embodiments, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but suffixed "j".

In this embodiment the toy 5j also comprises at least one shell or cocoon 45j within which the at least one body (not shown) is contained. The shell 45j is contained within the container lOj.

The shell 45j is liquid (in this embodiment water) soluble or dissoluble.

Possible compositions of the shell or cocoon can comprise or include either a dissolving compound or an effervescing compound and may further include a binder.

The dissolving compound can comprise: mannitol, calcium phosphates, dibasic calcium phosphates, cellulosic salts such as sodium carboxyrnethyl cellulose, cyclodextrine, laevulose, maltitol, polydextrose, sucrose, glucose, inulin, sorbitol or xylitol.

The effervescing compound can comprise: a mixture of a carbonate such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate with an acid such as citric acid or tartaric acid.

The binders compound can comprise: polyvinylpyrrolidones, methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose and other cellulose materials, e.g. sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxypropyl cellulose, or gums, e.g. xanthan gum, guar gum, arabic gum, carrageenan, and, in particular, gellan gum.

In this embodiment the shell 45j is in the shape of a frog, and the at least one body (not shown) is in the shape of a human, and preferably a "prince". However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments different shapes of shell 45j and at least one body can be provided.

Also shown in Figure 10(a) and 10(b) is a box 50j comprising packaging for the toy 5j.

In use, one removes closure member 30j and adds liquid/water to the container lOj. The shell 45j will then dissolve revealing the body (not shown), which absorbs liquid/water and expands or grows.

The dissolved shell 45j may either be rinsed out of the container lOj and/or absorbed with liquid/water into the body.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention hereinbefore described are given by way of example only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

1. An apparatus such as a toy comprising: an openably closable container and at least one body contained or entrapped therein, wherein the at least one body at least partly comprises a material which expands when immersed in a liquid or water.

2. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container comprises a jar, specimen jar, or test tube.

3. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the container comprises a main body portion and a lid portion, the main body portion being retained or fixed in liquid sealing engagement with one another by sealing/retention means.

4. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 3, wherein the main body portion is at least partly transparent.

5. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 3 or 4, wherein the main body portion is made from a polymeric material.

6. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the lid portion is at least partly transparent, translucent or opaque.

7. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the lid portion is made from a polymeric material.

8. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container, such as a/the lid portion comprises an openably closable aperture, the aperture being openably closable by means of a closure member.

9. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 8, wherein the closure member comprises a body having a helical thread portion capable of co-acting with a further helical thread portion provided in the aperture.

10. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 9, wherein the closure member is made from a polymeric material.

11. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 8, wherein the closure member comprises a resilient stopper or bung capable of being removably and insertably retained within the aperture.

12. Au apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stopper is made from rubber or the like.

13. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 wherein the at least one body is in the shape of a body part, such as a head or the like or an internal organ.

14. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one body is in the shape of a human figure, animal figure or humanoid, or alien figure.

15. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 14, wherein the animal figure is selected from one of a snake, sea creature, fish, reptile, dinosaur, insect or the like.

16. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one body comprises a liquid or water absorbing material.

17,. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 16, wherein the liquid or water absorbing material comprises a polymer or polymeric material.

18. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one body at least partly comprises a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) or free radical, cross-linked polymer, or hydrogel optionally provided with/in a binder material.

19. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one body at least partly comprises an acrylic-based, water-absorbent resin or a sodium salt polymer of polyacrylic acid.

20. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one body is larger than the aperture when the body has expanded, in use.

21. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one body is larger than the aperture prior to expansion of the body.

22. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising means for positioning the at least one body within the container and/or means for retaining the at least one body and the container together.

23. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 22, wherein the positioning means comprises means for hanging the at least one body within the container.

24. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 22 or 23, wherein the positioning means comprise a length of polymeric thread or tubing, such as hollow thread or tubing.

25. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, wherein one end of the positioning means is retained in association with the at least one body.

26. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 25, wherein another end of the positioning means is retained in association with the container, such as a/the lid portion or with a/the closure member.

27. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the closure member is removed, liquid/water is added to the container to at least partially immerse the at least one body, and the aperture reclosed by the closure member.

28. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus or toy comprises at least one shell or cocoon within which the at least one body is contained.

29. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 28, wherein the shell or cocoon is provided within the container.

30. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 28 or 29, wherein the shell or cocoon is liquid/water soluble or dissoluble.

31. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the shell or cocoon is in the shape of a human figure, animal figure or humanoid or alien figure.

32. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 28 to 31, wherein the shell or cocoon is in the shape of a frog.

33. An apparatus or a toy comprising a container, a liquid absorbent body entrapped within the container and means for adding liquid to the container.

34. An apparatus such as a toy comprising: at least one body at least partly comprising a material that expands when immersed in a liquid, a container, and a means for retaining the at least one body and the container together. 1D

35. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 34, wherein the at least one body is entrapped within the container.

36. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 34 or 35, wherein the retaining means comprise means for positioning the at least one body within the container.

37. In combination a liquid/water absorbent body contained within a liquid/water soluble/dissoluble shell or cocoon.

38. An apparatus such a toy comprising a combination according to claim 37. r

39. An apparatus such as a toy comprising a Combination according to claim 37, the apparatus or toy comprising an apparatus or toy according to any of claims 1 to 32, claim 33, or claims 34 to 36.

40. An apparatus such as a toy as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.