WO2008135751A9

WO2008135751A9 - Improved toy comprising a liquid/water soluble shell

Info

Publication number: WO2008135751A9
Application number: PCT/GB2008/001551
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Grossman
Original assignee: H Grossman Ltd; Martin Grossman
Priority date: 2007-05-04
Filing date: 2008-05-02
Publication date: 2009-03-26
Also published as: GB0708612D0; GB2448856A; WO2008135751A2; WO2008135751A3

Abstract

The invention provides a toy (5j - 5k) comprising: a liquid/water soluble/dissoluble/dispersible shell or cocoon (45j; 45k); and a liquid/water absorbent body or object (15j; 15k) contained within the shell or cocoon (45j; 45k).

Description

IMPROVED TOY

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus or devices such as toys or playthings. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to an improved toy which increases in size or "grows" and/or changes colour when immersed in or contacted by liquid, particularly water. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to an improved toy which comprises a liquid or water soluble shell or cocoon.

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.

Many story books and fairy tales tell of one being or object being changed into another being or object, e.g. a frog into a Prince. However, there are no toys which provide experiential play of such change, transformation or metamorphosis.

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 hereinbefore.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a toy having a novelty effect which may encourage play and/which may be visually stimulating, e.g. to a child or children. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus, device or toy according to the appended claims. One or more problems in the prior art are addressed by providing the general solution of a liquid/water absorbent body or compressed resiliently expandable body entrapped within and/or attached to a container or vessel, the container or vessel 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 or contacted by a liquid or in water.

The liquid or water may be provided at ambient temperature or preferably raised temperature, i.e. the water may be cold or beneficially warm.

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 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 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 character (e.g. from a children's story, cartoon or film), 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.

A colour of the material may change when the material is immersed or otherwise contacted by liquid or water. The at least one body may at least partly comprise a super absorbent 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 body or object within the container. This objection may assist in facilitating desirable positioning of the body or object within the container before, during and/or after expansion. 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 member 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 character, e.g. from a children's story, cartoon or film, human figure, animal figure or humanoid or alien.

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

In said embodiment the at least one body may be in the shape of a human, e.g. a "prince" or other fairy tale character. Thus, in use, by adding liquid/water to the container the frog or beast shaped 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 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.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus such as a toy comprising: a liquid/water soluble/dissoluble/dispersible shell or cocoon; and a liquid/water absorbent body or object or compressed, resiliently expandable body or object contained within the shell or cocoon.

Preferably the body or object is a liquid/water absorbent body.

The shell or cocoon may be in the shape of a living or naturally occurring object or life form.

The body or object may be in the shape of a living or naturally occurring object or life form, at least after the body or object has absorbed liquid/water.

The shell or cocoon may be in the shape of a story or branding character, human figure, animal, sea creature, fish, reptile, dinosaur, insect, monster, dragon, alien, mythical creature, mollusc, shell such as a clam shell or plant or flower or the like.

The shell or cocoon may be in the shape of a frog.

At least after the body half is dissolved in liquid/water, the body may be in the shape of a story or branding character, human, animal, sea creature, fish, reptile, dinosaur, insect, monster, dragon, humanoid, alien or mythical creature or the like.

At least after expansion /absorption at least one dimension, e.g. height, width or depth, of the body may be larger than the cocoon had been prior to being dissolved. In other words, the toy "grows" as the cocoon dissolving and the body increases in size. The shell or cocoon may be made at least partly from an effervescent material.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a toy comprising: a liquid/water soluble/dissoluble/dispersible shell or cocoon; and a body contained within the shell or cocoon, wherein a colour of the body changes upon exposure to or immersion in liquid/water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:

Figure 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 in use

(expanded);

Figure 2(b) a dis-assembled 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

(expanded);

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 of 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;

Figure 10(b) a perspective view from the top and to the front of the toy of Figure 10(a); Figure 10(c) a front view of the toy of Figure 10(a) in use (shell dissolved and body expanded); Figure 11 (a) a front view of a toy according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention prior to use; and

Figure 11(b) a front view of the toy of Figure 11 (a) in use (shell dissolved). 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 subsequent expansion.

The toy 5a comprises an openably closable container or vessel 10a 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, contacted by, or added to, a liquid e.g. water. In this embodiment the container 10a comprises a jar, or specimen jar.

The container 10a comprises a main body portion 16a and a lid portion 20a. The main body portion 16a 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 16a and lid portion 20a are not intended to be separable from one another, in use. This makes the toy 5a safer for use by children.

The container 10a, or at least the main body portion 16a is at least partly transparent and preferably substantially wholly transparent. The container 10a or at least the main body portion 16a 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 16a.

The container 10a 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 is made from a polymeric material, which is, in this embodiment, the same polymeric material as the lid portion 20a.

In this embodiment 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 any living or naturally occurring object or life form, e.g. a story o branding character, a human figure, animal figure, humanoid or alien figure or mythical creature. The animal figure can comprise a snake, sea creature, fish, reptile, dinosaur, insect or the like. The at least one body 15a or material at least partly comprises a liquid or water absorbing material. The liquid or water absorbing material 15a comprises a polymer or polymeric material when the material absorbs or is immersed or contacted by liquid or water a colour of at least part of the material may change. The at least one body 15a or material at least partly comprises a super absorbent 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 co 60 polymer

SAP Acrylic based water-absorbent resin 35

Surfactant Zinc Sterate 4

Pigment 1

Super absorbent 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 among others.

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 crosslink 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 Figures 1 (a) and (b), 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 10a, and thereby acting against the possibility of ingestion of the body 45a, e.g. by a child or infant.

Further, as can be seen from Figures 1 (a) and (b), 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 10a 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 10a, 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 10a. Alternatively, sufficient liquid/water can be added to expand or swell the at least one body 15a and to at least partially fill the container 10a 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 10b. The positioning means 41 b comprises means for hanging the at least one body 15b within the container 10b. In this embodiment the positioning means 41 b comprises means for hanging the at least one body 15b within the container

10b. However, in modifications other positioning means may be envisaged, e.g. for standing the at least one body 15b or otherwise supporting such within the container 10b. The positioning means 41 b can act, in use, to assist in the at least one body 15b being easily viewed by an observer by improving the disposition thereof. The positioning means 41 b comprises a length of polymeric thread or tubing, e.g. hollow thread or tubing. One end 42b of the positioning means 41 b is retained in association with the at least one body 15b. 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 41 b is retained in association with the container 10b, the lid portion 20b, and/or the closure member 30b. In this case the end 43b is entrapped between the lid portion

20b and the closure member 30b, or in a modification between the container

10b 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 5c, 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 10c comprises a test tube shape. Further, the body 15c is in the shape of an animal, i.e. in this case 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 an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 5d, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The toy 5d is similar in many respects to the toy 5a of the first embodiment, and to the toy 5c of the third embodiment, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but suffixed "d".

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 5f is similar in many respects to the toy 5a 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 35f 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, and to 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 an 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 5i, according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The toy 5i 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 15i tends to slump to the bottom of the container 1Oi.

To address such problem in the modification shown in Figure 9(b) positioning and retaining means 35i are provided. Such allow the body 15i to hang within the container 1Oi such that the body 15i can be viewed or inspected better.

Referring now to Figure 10(a) to (c) 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 - 5i 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 15j is contained. The shell 45j is contained within the container 1Oj.

The shell 45j is liquid (in this embodiment water) soluble or dissoluble or dissolvable or dispersible. The shell 45j can be made from an effervescent material. Possible compositions of the shell or cocoon 45j 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 carboxymethyl 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 15j 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 15j can be provided.

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

In use, one removes closure member 3Oj and adds liquid/water to the container 10j. The shell 45j will then dissolve revealing the body (not shown), which absorbs liquid/water and expands or grows. Prior to dissolving the shell or cocoon 45j is larger than the aperture 25k such that the cocoon 45k and body 15k located therein are entrapped with the container 10k.

The dissolved shell 45j material can either be rinsed out of the container 1Oj and/or absorbed with liquid/water into the body. In a modification the 5j can be provided without the container 10a. In such case the shell 45k can be placed in water, e.g. in a basin, sink or other vessel. The water is advantageously warm, e.g. tepid. This assists in dissolving of the shell 45j.

Referring now to Figures 11 (a) and (b) there is shown an apparatus comprising a toy, generally designated 5k, according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The toy 5k is similar in many respects to the toys 5a to 5j of the preceding embodiments, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but suffixed "k".

In this embodiment the toy 5k also comprises at least one shell or cocoon 45j in the shape of a clam shell within which the at least one body 15k is contained. In this embodiment the body 15k is in the shape of a mermaid, and the tail thereof changes colour, e.g. when immersed in a warm liquid/water or when heated.

In this embodiment at least part of the body 15k can be made of a material which expands when immersed in or is contacted by liquid or water and/or changes colour when immersed in or is contacted by liquid or water, and/or when warmed.

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.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed herein may have features of other embodiments. For example, the first to ninth embodiments may be provided with a shell or cocoon; the tenth or eleventh embodiments may be provided with positioning means; and the first to tenth embodiments may comprise a body having colour change means as in the eleventh embodiment.

It will also be appreciated that the embodiments have a dissoluble or dispersible shell or cocoon are particularly beneficial for use in interactive story telling or play, e.g. for stories such as "The Frog Prince" or "Beauty and the Beast".

Claims

1. An apparatus such as a toy or plaything comprising: a liquid/water soluble/dissoluble/dispersible shell or cocoon; and at least one liquid/water absorbent body or object or compressed, resiliently expandable body or object contained with the shell or cocoon.

2. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the shell or cocoon is in the shape of a living or naturally occurring object or life form.

3. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the body is in the shape of a living or naturally occurring object or life form, at least after the body has absorbed liquid/water.

4. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shell or cocoon is in the shape of a story or branding character, human, animal, sea creature, fish, reptile, dinosaur, insect, monster, dragon, humanoid, alien, mythical creature, mollusc, shell such as a claim shell or plant or flower.

5. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the shell or cocoon is in the shape of a frog.

6. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least after the body has absorbed liquid/water or expanded the body is in the shape of a character such as a story or branding character, or human, animal, sea creature, fish, reptile, dinosaur, insect, monster, dragon, humanoid, alien, or mythical creature,

7. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least after expansion/absorption at least one dimension of the body is larger than the cocoon prior to dissolving, and/or the shell or cocoon is made at lest partly from an effervescent material.

8. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the toy comprises: an openably closable container and the at least one body contained or entrapped therein, wherein the at least one body at least partly comprises a material which expands when immersed or contacted by in a liquid or water.

9. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 8, wherein the container comprises a jar, specimen jar, or test tube.

10. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 8 or 9, 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.

11. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 10, wherein the main body portion is at least partly transparent.

12. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 10 or 11 , wherein the main body portion is made from a polymeric material.

13. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the lid portion is at least partly transparent, translucent or opaque.

14. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the lid portion is made from a polymeric material.

15. 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.

16. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 15, 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.

17. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 16, wherein the closure member is made from a polymeric material.

18. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 158, wherein the closure member comprises a resilient stopper or bung capable of being removably and insertably retained within the aperture.

19. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 18, wherein the stopper is made from rubber or the like.

20. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 8 to 19 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.

21. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 8 to 19, wherein the at least one body is in the shape of a character, such as a story or branding character, or a human figure, animal figure or humanoid, or alien figure.

22. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the animal figure is selected from one of a snake, sea creature, fish, reptile, dinosaur, insect or the like.

23. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 8 to 22, wherein the at least one body comprises a liquid or water absorbing material.

24. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 23, wherein the liquid or water absorbing material comprises a polymer or polymeric material.

25. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 8 to 24, wherein the at least one body at least partly comprises a super absorbent polymer (SAP) or free radical, cross-linked polymer, or hydrogel optionally provided with/in a binder material.

26. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 8 to 25, wherein the at least one body at least partly comprises an acrylic-based, water-absorbent resin or a sodium salt polymer of polyacrylic acid.

27. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 8 to 26, wherein the at least one body is larger than the aperture when the body has expanded, in use.

28. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 8 to 27, wherein the at least one body is larger than the aperture prior to expansion of the body.

29. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 8 to 28, 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.

30. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in 29, wherein the positioning means comprises means for hanging the at least one body or object within the container.

31. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 29 or 30, wherein the positioning means comprise a length of polymeric thread or tubing, such as hollow thread or tubing. '

32. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 29 to 31 , wherein one end of the positioning means is retained in association with the at least one body.

33. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 32, 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.

34. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 8 to 33, 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.

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

36. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 35, wherein the shell or cocoon is provided within the container.

37. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 35 or 36, wherein the shell or cocoon is liquid/water soluble or dissoluble or effervesces or is dispersible in liquid/water.

38. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the shell or cocoon is in the shape of a character, e.g. story or branding character, human figure, animal figure or humanoid or alien figure.

39. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in any of claims 35 to 38, wherein the shell or cocoon is in the shape of a frog.

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

41. 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.

42. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in claim 41 , wherein the at least one body is entrapped within the container.

43. An apparatus such as a toy as claimed in either of claims 41 or 42, wherein the retaining means comprise means for positioning the at least one body within the container.

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

45. An apparatus such a toy comprising a combination according to claim 44.

46. An apparatus such as a toy comprising a combination according to claim 44, the apparatus or toy comprising an apparatus or toy according to any of claims 1 to 39, claim 40, or claims 41 to 43.

47. An apparatus such as a toy comprising: a liquid/water soluble/dissoluble/dispersible shell or cocoon; and a body contained with the shell or cocoon, wherein a colour of the body changes upon exposure to or immersion in water.

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